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Karl JohnsonEnsuring Market Supply and Penetration of Efficient Lighting Technologies Electric Power Research Institute, USA Erich Unterwurzacher International Energy Agency, USA Abstract Lighting is one of the major uses of electricity and a significant share of residential and particularly commercial electricity demand is concentrated in this end-use category. State-of-the-art lighting systems provide a means to increase efficiency and to reduce energy demand. However, there are substantial market barriers that hamper the accelerated market penetration of these technologies. In recognizing these market realities, electric utilities and government agencies in several IEA Member countries have begun to focus their efforts on demand-side oriented activities. Some of these activities, such as light bulb giveaways, audits, education, installations, standards promulgation, and other programmes, can have significant results in overcoming barriers to customer implementation of efficient lighting technologies. For example, in the United States the shipment of compact fluorescent lamps has almost doubled between 1988 and 1990 and is forecast to increase about 280% between 1991 and 1995. Yet these campaigns can also result in temporary supply shortages, as appliance manufacturers or retailers cannot meet the demand resulting from such initiatives. These supply shortages can impede the successful implementation of demand-side management (DSM) programmes. Improved market information is needed to increase the use of efficient lighting technologies by enhancing cooperation between utilities, manufacturers, and customers.
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