GE Ends CFL Production to Focus on LED Light Bulbs
Posted on February 1, 2016
GE is ending its production of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). CFLs became the goto light bulb after U.S. regulations demanded an end to the standard incandescent light bulbs. Fortunately, the mercury-laden bulbs are going to have a rather short run. A GE Reveal 60-watt LED light bulb is pictured above.
GE gives several reasons for the switch to LED in a new report issued today. One reason is that LED prices have fallen. GE says that a 60-watt-equivalent LED bulb sells at Sam's Club for $3.33 today. GE also says consumers complained that the light from CFLs was too harsh, flickered and would take too long to warm up. GE doesn't mention it the report but the bulbs also contain mercury, which is a known toxin.GE also mentions some technological advantages to LED bulbs. GE says "they are well-suited to smart-home apps that help homeowners save energy and money by shutting off lights remotely from their smartphones or setting bulbs to dim and let them operate at 80 percent capacity." This is a potential money saving aspect of the bulbs for consumers not available with CFLs.
GE Lighting chief operating officer John Strainic says in a statement, "These LED lightbulbs are starting to replicate what the electrical filament has done for over 100 years - providing that look and warm ambience that people are used to. The time for LED is now."
A New York Times report notes that consumers have already been migrating toward LED bulbs. LEDs reach 15% off bulb shipments in Q3 last year. This was a jump of 237% over Q3 2014. GE expects that by 2020, LEDs will be used in over 50% of U.S. light sockets.