OSRAM SYLVANIA's Third Annual 'Socket Survey' Reveals More Americans Aware of Light Bulb Phase Out

DANVERS, Mass., Dec. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Public awareness of the federal phase out of incandescent light bulbs is growing, according to the third annual SYLVANIA Socket Survey, released today. Beginning in 2012 with the 100-watt bulb, 36 percent of Americans reported that they are aware of the phase out -- up 10 percent from 2009. While a large majority still uses incandescent bulbs, 60 percent plan to switch to light-emitting diode (LED), compact fluorescent (CFL) or halogen varieties when the phase out begins in 2012. The survey also revealed some concerns about the transition. Of the consumers polled, 28 percent expressed worry about the demise of the traditional bulbs.

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Commissioned by North America's number one lighting company, OSRAM SYLVANIA, a division of Siemens AG, the Socket Survey is the industry's only national measurement of the changing consumer lighting landscape. It is part of a series of polls tracking commercial, consumer and automotive lighting trends. This year's results indicate that more consumers are aware of the phase out and the majority is optimistic about new technologies, with 59 percent of respondents reporting they are eager to use more energy efficient lighting solutions.

"We are seeing a positive and evolving perspective from consumers as they become more educated about the phase out and anticipate the next-generation of lighting," said John Salerno, OSRAM SYLVANIA Consumer Lighting vice president and general manager. "OSRAM SYLVANIA is committed to offering lighting choices for every type of consumer and leading the country through this period of transition."

One year until the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act begins to phase out traditional incandescent bulbs, 51 percent of consumers and 71 percent of businesses have already evaluated the types of light bulbs they use, according to data from the SYLVANIA Socket Survey and 2010 Commercial Lighting Survey.  

As consumers anticipate transitioning to newer technologies, 91 percent agree the bulb's brightness is the most important feature of their lighting purchase.   Committed to delivering solutions that meet consumer demand, last month OSRAM SYLVANIA launched its Ultra 12-watt A-line LED bulb that provides 810 lumens of light making it the brightest LED replacement for the 60-watt incandescent bulb on the market today.

Additional findings of the 2010 SYLVANIA Socket Survey include:

Consumers Already Embracing New Lighting Technologies

The majority of households already use at least one CFL, over one third use halogens and some consumers continue to adopt LEDs

• Next to incandescent bulbs, CFLs take the lead in consumer adoption with 72 percent of American households using at least one bulb  
• Trailing behind the popular CFL, 39 percent of respondents use halogen bulbs in their home
• LED adoption grew to nearly one household in ten (9 percent), with 81 percent of Americans reporting they have heard of LED bulbs.  
• The majority of consumers prioritize brightness (91 percent), bulb longevity (88 percent) and energy efficiency (85 percent) when choosing a light bulb  

Increased Awareness and Proactive Preparation for the Phase Out  

More consumers aware of phase out and the majority of Americans plan to reevaluate their lighting in the home

• In response to the 100-watt elimination, most respondents plan to switch to a new technology bulb, such as LED, halogen or CFL
• Less than one-third (23 percent) plan to switch to a lower wattage incandescent
• Only 13 percent plan to save up or "hoard" 100-watt incandescent bulbs, a consistent statistic with the 2009 socket survey findings

Survey Methodology

The survey was conducted over an 11-day period in November 2010. More than 300 interviews were conducted with home owners and renters nationwide. Adult respondents were surveyed via phone, using random digit dial techniques.

About OSRAM SYLVANIA

OSRAM SYLVANIA is a leader in lighting solutions that feature innovative design and energy saving technology. The company sells products for homes, businesses and vehicles primarily under the SYLVANIA brand name, and also under the OSRAM brand. Headquartered in Danvers, Mass., OSRAM SYLVANIA is the North American operation of OSRAM GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens AG. For more information, visit www.sylvania.com.

SOURCE OSRAM SYLVANIA