Stock up on lightbulbs now – or call an electrician.
Starting January 1, a new state law will prohibit the sale of specific mercury-containing fluorescent lightbulbs in Vermont, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation said.
Restrictions include the sale of general purpose, indoor/outdoor, residential, and business mercury-containing four-foot linear, compact fluorescent, and twist-based fluorescent lightbulbs. Twist-based (GU-24) Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) are also restricted from sale.
If your home or business currently uses these fluorescent bulbs, you will not be able to buy more after January 1. If your business sells these bulbs online or in a store, you will not be able to do so next year.
“Efficiency Vermont is offering rebates to help residents and businesses replace fluorescent bulbs with LEDs,” said DEC Commissioner Jason Batchelder. “Switching to LEDs is better for both human health and the environment. LEDs do not contain mercury and are more energy efficient than fluorescent bulbs.”
The SMARTLIGHT program will expire at the end of 2023. However, Efficiency Vermont will still offer custom rebates for retrofits from fluorescent to LEDs through 2024. To learn more, visit Efficiency Vermont online, call 888-921-5990, email info@efficiencyvermont.com, or submit an online contact form.
The sale of any other mercury-containing four-foot bulbs, such as specialty lighting (ultraviolet, germicidal, purifier/sanitizer, etc.) is not included in the new restrictions.
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