Overview
Lighting accounts for around 10% of electricity usage in households, and 18–40% of in commercial premises.
The good news is that we can achieve significant energy savings (and reductions on our electricity bills) by replacing inefficient lights with efficient CFL or LED alternatives – CFL and LED light bulbs are better value for money than incandescent and halogen light bulbs. They use around 75 per cent less electricity to produce the same amount of light and last significantly longer before needing to be replaced.
A small change makes a big difference. For example, by replacing 10 halogen light bulbs to an efficient alternative you can expect to save around $650 over 10 years on your electricity bill.
New regulation
In April 2018, Energy Ministers agreed to further improve lighting energy efficiency regulation by phasing out inefficient halogen lamps (light bulbs) in Australia and introducing minimum standards for LED lamps in Australia and New Zealand in line with European Union (EU) standards.
The phase out will remove a range of the remaining incandescent light bulbs and halogen light bulbs from the Australian market, where an equivalent LED light bulb is available.
Energy Ministers also agreed to align the timing of Australia’s LED regulation with the EU regulatory process. As finalisation of the EU regulation was later delayed by 12 months (published December 2019 to come into effect in September 2021), the Australian regulations are expected to come into effect in 2022-2023.
Download the Decision Regulation Impact Statement for Lighting.
Update – January 2021
Work on relevant Australian Standards is progressing, led by Standards Australia. This consists of:
- Revising AS 4934.2 Incandescent lamps for general lighting services Part 2: Energy performance and marking requirements to inform the new Determination for incandescent and halogen lamps.
- Developing a new LED test standard. This will likely be designated AS/NZS 5341 LED lamps – Test methods – Energy and functional performance when published.
An updated Determination for incandescent and halogen lamps (that would replace the current Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Incandescent Lamps for General Lighting Services) Determination 2016), and a new Determination for LED lamps, will be developed under the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act 2012. These draft Determinations will be released for stakeholder comment prior to finalisation.
A technical working group with membership from relevant stakeholders is being formed to assist in developing the LED Determination.
Given there are still several steps to be taken before the Determinations can be finalised, exact timing of when the Determinations will come into effect have yet to be finalised. Note: the date of effect will be 12 months from when the updated and new Determinations are made by the Minister.
FAQs: Information for lighting suppliers
At a glance...
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MEPS |
Energy |
Australia |
New Zealand |
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Yes |
Other* |
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Yes |
Other* |
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Yes |
Other* |
- |
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No |
No |
Under consideration |
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Yes |
No |
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Yes |
No |
- |
- |
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Yes |
Other* |
- |
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* Whilst no Energy Rating Label is required, GEMS labelling requirements do apply. For more information see the relevant GEMS determination. |
Lighting retailers
Specialist lighting retailer training
Lighting retail stores are well positioned to assist customers to make lighting choices that result in more efficient energy use and good light quality for their homes.
The specialist lighting retailer training package consists of a retailer guide and suite of residential case studies designed to help retailers support their customers to choose efficient lighting solutions that meet their needs.
Lighting installers
Training Guide: The Basics of Efficient Lighting
The Basics of Efficient Lighting reference manual is a joint initiative of the E3 Program and the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).
The manual introduces the basic concepts of light and lighting, and explores the key requirements of a lighting system and what standards need to be met. It also explains what is meant by sustainability and energy efficiency and how good lighting design can contribute to these.

The Phase Out
It is estimated that the phase out of incandescent light bulbs is saving the average household 300 kWh and $75 per annum.

Lighting and health
What are the health implications to be considered when lighting your space?
Light globe conversion table
The light globe conversion table compares the light output of equivalent traditional incandescent light bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), mains voltage halogen lamps and light emitting diodes (LEDs).
LED Light |
Power |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
Old style |
Mains voltage |
CFL |
LED |
250 |
25 |
18 |
4-6 |
3-4 |
500 |
40 |
28 |
7-9 |
5-8 |
800 |
60 |
42 |
11-14 |
8-12 |
1100 |
75 |
52 |
14-17 |
11-17 |
1500 |
100 |
70 |
19-23 |
15-23 |
Key documents
Registrations
Search the registration database
Use the registration database to view and compare all products that are registered under the GEMS Act.