PR

AGENDA

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

PUBLIC WORKSHOP ON THE REVISED LIFE CYCLE COST AND

ENGINEERING ANALYSIS OF FLUORESCENT LAMP BALLASTS

PLACE OF WORKSHOP:

DATE AND TIME:

FORRESTAL BUILDING, ROOM IE-245

1000 INDEPENDENCE AVENUE, SW

WASHINGTON, DC 20585

TELEPHONE: 202/586-7574

TELEFAX: 202/586-4617

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 1997

9:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

1. PURPOSE OF THE WORKSHOP (9:30am - 9:40am)

The purpose of this public workshop is to hear the views of interested persons and gather

information concerning the revised life cycle cost analysis, engineering analysis, and interview

summaries for fluorescent lamp ballasts. The Department of Energy (DOE or Department) will

consider the views presented and comments submitted to guide its approach in the development

of possible energy efficiency standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts.

H. WELCOMING REMARKS AND INTRODUCTIONS (9:40am - 9:50am)

III. STATUS UPDATE (9:50am - 10:00am)

The Department will present a status report on the energy efficiency standards program

for fluorescent lamp ballasts, and review the objectives of today's workshop.

IV. TOPICS AND STRUCTURE OF WORKSHOP

The Department will introduce each topic, and present any necessary background

information. Participants will be invited to comment on issues pertinent to that topic.

EE-RM-97-500 COMMENT 0AA

AGENDA 

u.s. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY· 

OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY 

PUBLIC WORKSHOP ON THE REVISED LIFE CYCLE COST AND 

ENGINEERING ANALYSIS OF FLUORESCENT LAMP BALLASTS 

PLACE OF WORKSHOP: FORREST AL BUILDING, ROOM IE-245 

1000 INDEPENDENCE AVENUE, SW 

WASHINGTON, DC 20585 

DA TE AND TIME: 

I. PURPOSE OF THE WORKSHOP 

TELEPHONE: 202/586-7574 

TELEFAX: 202/586-4617 

TUESDAY, MARCH 18,1997 

9:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. 

(9:30am - 9:40am) 

The purpose of this public workshop is to hear the views of interested persons and gather 

information concerning the revised life cycle cost analysis, engineering analysis, and interview 

summaries for fluorescent lamp ballasts. The Department of Energy (DOE or Department) will 

consider the views presented and comments submitted to guide its approach in the development 

of possible energy efficiency standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts. 

II. WELCOMING REMARKS AND INTRODUCTIONS (9:40am - 9:50am) 

Ill. STATUS UPDATE (9:50am - 10:00am) 

The Department will present a status report on the energy efficiency standards program 

for fluorescent lamp ballasts, and review the objectives oftoday's workshop. 

IV. TOPICS AND STRUCTURE OF WORKSHOP 

The Department will introduce each topic, and present any necessary background 

information. Participants will be invited to comment on issues pertinent to that topic. 

1 
A. Life Cycle Cost Analysis (10:00am - 11:00 )

After consideration of the comments from the June 20, 1996, fluorescent lamp ballast

workshop and subsequent interviews with manufacturers, the Department has revised its February

1996 life cycle cost (LCC) analysis and engineering analysis. Descriptions of such revisions, and

the rationale for each, are presented below.

1. Ballast Life

The proposed ballast life, for both magnetic and electronic ballasts, has been

changed from 33,000 hours to 45,000 hours. During the June 1996 ballast workshop, there was

an indication that the proposed ballast life of 33,000 hours was too low. At that time and during

subsequent interviews, manufacturers asserted that a longer ballast life be used. The Illuminating

Engineering Society (IES) Lighting Handbook, 8th edition, lists 45,000 hours as the average life

for magnetic ballasts. DOE is not aware of any test data or documentation on electronic ballast

lifetimes. As a result, DOE proposes to adopt 45,000 hours as the average life both for magnetic

and electronic ballasts. DOE also performed sensitivity analyses on ballast life ranging from a low

of 33,000 hours to a high of 60,000 hours.

Lamp Life

Comments have asserted that use of a cathode cutout ballast could reduce

fluorescent lamp life by 15 percent. DOE has used this reduction in lamp life for both T12 and T8

lamps for the revised analysis.

Ballast End-User Price

In the February 1996 LCC analysis, the Department used aggregated 1993 ballast

price data from a survey performed by the Lighting Research Institute(LRI). DOE would have

used data from a comparative analysis of quantity and value of shipments from the U.S.

Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Current Industrial Reports MQ36C for

fluorescent lamp ballasts. However, during subsequent interviews, fluorescent lamp ballast

manufacturers asserted that DOE use the 1993 LRI ballast price data because the Bureau of the

Census data reflected only the manufacturers' average net selling prices, not the end-user price.

Consequently, the revised LCC analysis performed by DOE has been based on the 1993 LRI price

data, and includes a sensitivity analysis that takes into account the price adjustments from 1993 to

1996 implied by the data from the Bureau of the Census.

DOE commissioned another ballast price survey by Gough and Associates (the

same principals who conducted the 1993 price survey) for 1996 ballast prices. The results of this

2

EE-RM-97-500 COMMENT 0AA

A. Life Cycle Cost Analysis (lO:OOam - 11 :OOam) 

After consideration of the comments from the June 20, 1996, fluorescent lamp ballast 

workshop and subsequent interviews with manufacturers, the Department has revised its February 

1996 life cycle cost (LCC) analysis and engineering analysis. Descriptions of such revisions, aJ;l.d 

the rationale for each, are presented below. 

1. Ballast Life 

The proposed ballast life, for both magnetic and electronic ballasts, has been 

changed from 33,000 hours to 45,000 hours. During the June 1996 ballast workshop, there was 

an indication that the proposed ballast life of33,000 hours was too low. At that time and during 

subsequent interviews, manufacturers asserted that a longer ballast life be used. The Illuminating 

Engineering Society (IES) Lighting Handbook, 8th edition, lists 45,000 hours as the average life 

for magnetic ballasts. DOE is not aware of any test data or documentation on electronic ballast 

lifetimes. As a result, DOE proposes to adopt 45,000 hours as the average life both for magnetic 

and ele'ctronic ballasts. DOE also performed sensitivity analyses on ballast life ranging from a low 

of 33,000 hours to a high of 60,000 hours. 

2. Lamp Life 

Comments have asserted that use of a cathode cutout ballast could reduce 

fluorescent lamp life by 15 percent. DOE has used this reduction in lamp life for both Ti 2 and T8 

lamps for the revised analysis. 

3. Ballast End-User Pri~e 

In the February 1996 LCC analysis, the Department used aggregated 1993 ballast 

price data from a survey performed by the Lighting Research Institute (LRI). DOE would have 

used data from a comparative analysis of quantity and value of shipments from the U.S. 

Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Current Industrial Reports MQ36C for 

fluorescent lamp ballasts. However, during subsequent interviews, fluorescent lamp ballast 

manufacturers asserted that DOE use the 1993 LRI ballast price data because the Bureau of the 

Census data reflected only the manufacturers' ayerage net selling prices, not the end-user price. 

Consequently, the revised LCC analysis performed by DOE has been based on the 1993 LRI price 

data, and includes a sensitivity analysis that takes into account the price adjustments from 1993 to 

1996 implied by the data from the Bureau of the Census. 

DOE commissioned another ballast price survey by Gough and Associates (the 

same principals who conducted the 1993 price survey) for 1996 ballast prices. The results of this 

2 
survey indicate that the relative magnetic and electronic ballast price differences are similar to

those in one of the sensitivity analyses (see S I below). Results of this 1996 ballast price survey

will be presented for discussion.

B. Sensitivi a Analysis (11:00am - 12:00pm)

Sensitivity analyses were performed on four different parameters: 1) ballast price; 2)

lamp operating hours; 3) ballast life; and 4) electricity price. A low and high sensitivity analysis

was performed on each parameter.

1. Ballast Price

The assumed ballast prices for the average case were those used in the LCC

analysis. The assumed ballast prices used in the sensitivity analyses were:

Ballast System S1

1, 2 lamp F40T12 and F40T12/ES EEM and CC +6% -5%

1, 2, 3, 4 lamp F32T8 EEM and CC +6% -5%

2 lamp F96T12, F96T12/ES, F96T12HO & F96T12HO/ES +3% -5%

EEM and CC

All ERS and EIS -15% +5%

where + and - % is relative to the average retail price listed in Tables 4.1 through 4.15 in the LCC

analysis.

Si = price difference between magnetic and electronic ballasts decreases

S2 = price difference between magnetic and electronic ballasts increase

2. Lamp Operating Hours

Assumed average lamp operating hours are 3600 hours per year for the

commercial sector, and 5000 hours per year for the industrial sector. (Note that these annual

lighting hours have been revised from those in the 1996 draft report, and now correspond better

to those used in the COMMEND analysis and the uncertainty analysis. They are taken from the

Xenergy audit database and are now weighted by building type using floor space from CBECS

1992.) Low and high sensitivity analyses for commercial and industrial sectors were 2500 hours

per year and 8000 hours per year.

3

EE-RM-97-500 COMMENT 0AA

survey indicate that the relative magnetic and electronic ballast price differences are similar to 

those in one of the sensitivity analyses (see Sl below). Results of this 1996 ballast price survey 

will be presented for discussion. 

Sensitivity Analysis (l1:00am - 12:00pm) 

Sensitivity analyses were performed on four different parameters: 1) ballast price; 2) 

lamp operating hours; 3) ballast life; and 4) electricity price. A low and high sensitivity analysis 

was performed on each parameter. 

1. Ballast Price 

The assumed ballast prices for the average case were those used in the LCC 

analysis. The assumed ballast prices used in the sensitivity analyses were: 

Ballast System 

1, 2 lamp F40T 12 and F40T 12/ES EEM and CC 

I, 2, 3, 4 lamp F32T8 EEM and CC 

2 lamp F96T12, F96T12/ES, F96T12HO & F96Tl2HO/ES 

EEM and CC 

All ERS and EIS 

Sl 

+6% 

+6% 

+3% 

,-15% 

52 

-5% 

-5% 

-5% 

+5% 

where + and - % is relative to the average retail price listed in Tables 4.1 through 4.15 in the LCC 

analysis. 

S 1 = price difference between magnetic and electronic ballasts decreases 

S2 = price difference between magnetic and electronic ballasts increase 

2. Lamp Operating Hours 

Assumed average lamp operating hours are 3600 hours per year for the 

commercial sector, and 5000 hours per year for the industrial sector. (Note that these annual 

lighting hours have been revised from those in the 1996 draft report, and now correspond better 

to those used in the COMMEND analysis and the uncertainty analysis. They are taken from the 

Xenergy audit database and are now weighted by building type using floor space from CBECS 

1992.) Low and high sensitivity analyses for commercial and industrial sectors were 2500 hours 

per year and 8000 hours per year. 

3 
Ballast Life

Assumed average ballast life of 45,000 hours was used both for magnetic and

electronic ballasts. Low and high sensitivity analyses, for both magnetic and electronic ballasts,

were performed at 33,000 hours per year and 60,000 hours per year.

Electricity Price

The assumed electricity prices used for the sensitivity analysis are shown below, in

$/kWh. The average prices were updated to the 1997 Annual Energy Outlook prices for the year

2001, in $1995.

Low Average ugh

Commercial 0.055 0.075 0.105

Industrial 0.03 0.048 0.065

5. Payback Analysis

The Department understands that the simple payback analysis method for

fluorescent lamp ballasts does not work for cathode cutout or electronic instant start ballasts

because they shorten lamp life, causing different timing of lamp replacement costs during the

lifetime of the ballast. Other payback analysis methods are being considered and will be

presented.

Uncertain Analysis and Life Cycle Cost Anal semis (1:00pm - 2:15pm)

The uncertainty analysis will focus on the annual operating hours (hours/year), electricity

price ($/kWh), ballast lifetime (hours), and ballast consumer price ($). The analysis will be

interactive to allow real time changes.

Stakeholder Interviews (2:15pm - 3:15pm)

The Department of Energy conducted one-on-one interviews with stakeholders, and, as a

result, gathered quantitative and qualitative information. Presently, the Department is interested

in receiving comments on how to incorporate the qualitative information in its development of

energy efficiency standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts.

The Department also requests comments on how to improve the one-on-one interview

process.

EE-RM-97-500 COMMENT 0AA

3. Ballast Life 

Assumed average ballast life of 45,000 hours was used both for magnetic and 

electronic ballasts. Low and high sensitivity analyses, for both magnetic and electronic ballasts, 

were performed at 33,000 hours per year and 60,000 hours per year. 

4. Electricity Price 

The assumed electricity prices used for the sensitivity analysis are shown below, in 

$/kWh. The average prices were updated to the 1997 Annual Energy Outlook prices for the year 

1001, in $1995. 

Commercial 

Industrial 

0.055 

0.03 

5. Payback Analysis 

Average 

0.075 

0.048 

0.105 

0.065 

The Department understands that the simple payback analysis method for 

fluorescent lamp ballasts does not work for cathode cutout or electronic instant start ballasts 

because they shorten lamp life, causing different timing of lamp replacement costs during the 

lifetime of the ballast. Other payback analysis methods are being considered and will be 

presented. 

C. Uncertainty Analysis and Life Cycle Cost Analysis (1 :OOpm - 2: 15pm) 

The un~ertainty analysis will focus on the annual operating hours (hoUrs/year), electricity 

price ($/kWh), ballast lifetime (hours), and ballast consumer price ($). The analysis will be 

interactive to allow real time changes. 

D. Stakeholder Interviews (2: 15pm - 3: 15pm) 

The Department of Energy conducted one-on-one interviews with stakeholders, and; as a 

-result, gathered quantitative and qualitative information. Presently, the Department is interested 

in receiving comments on how to incorporate the qualitative information in its development of 

energy efficiency standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts. 

The Department also requests comments on how to improve the one-on-one interview 

process. 

4 
The Department invites comments on the following issues that were discussed during the

interviews.

1. Electronic Ballasts May Cause Interference with Building Electronic

Systems

The Department is concerned that electronic ballasts could, in certain applications,

cause interference with other building electronic systems. DOE is interested in receiving data on

that portion of the U.S. building stock that is affected by such interference. How does this

interference affect the market?

2. Conversion Rates

The Department is interested in receiving data on the percent of existing magnetic

ballasts that are being converted to electronic ballasts.

3. . Incorporating Voluntary Programs

The objectives of research on voluntary programs are: 1) to estimate future

impacts of various voluntary programs on electronic ballast sales, and 2) to compare projections

of electronic ballast shipments from LBNL's COMMEND model with other projections.

LBNL has prepared estimates of electronic ballast sales as a result of the

Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Energy Management Programs. They will also

present projections from the Energy Information Administration's Annual Energy Outlook 1997,

and the Environmental Projection Agency (EPA)'s Climate Change Action Plan.

The current analysis assumes that utility demand side management programs will

diminish after 1995. DOE seeks information on how voluntary energy management programs

could impact the fluorescent lamp ballast market.

4. Future Ballast Sales

To adequately project potential energy savings for various energy efficiency levels

of fluorescent lamp ballasts, the Department is interested in receiving information and data on

what the fluorescent lamp ballast market will look like in the future. In particular, the Department

is interested in receiving information and data on if and when unit sales of electronic fluorescent

lamp ballasts will surpass the unit sales of magnetic ballasts.

5

EE-RM-97-500 COMMENT 0AA

The Department invites comments on the following issues that were discussed during the 

interviews. 

1. Electronic Ballasts May Cause Interference with Building Electronic 

Systems 

The Department is concerned that electronic ballasts could, in certain applications, 

cause interference with other building electronic systems. DOE is interested in receiving data on 

that portion of the U.S. building stock that is affected by such interference. How does this 

interference affect the market? 

2. Conversion Rates 

The Department is interested in receiving data on the percent of existing magnetic 

ballasts that are being converted to electronic ballasts. 

3. Incorporating Voluntary Programs 

The objectives of research on voluntary programs are: I) to estimate future 

impacts of various voluntary programs on electronic ballast sales, and 2) to compare projections 

of electronic ballast shipments from LBNL's COMMEND model with other projections. 

LBNL has prepared estimates of electronic ballast sales as a result of the 

Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Energy Management Programs. They will also 

present projections from the Energy Information Administration's Annual Energy Outlook 1997, 

and the Environmental Projection Agency (EPA),s Climate Change Action Plan. 

The current analysis assumes that utility demand side management programs will 

diminish after 1995. DOE seeks information on how voluntary energy management programs 

could impact the fluorescent lamp ballast market. 

4. Future Ballast Sales 

To adequately project potential energy savings for various energy efficiency levels 

of fluorescent lamp ballasts, the Department is interested in receiving information and data on 

what the fluorescent lamp ballast market will look like in the future. In particular, the Department 

is interested in receiving information and data on if and when unit sales of electronic fluorescent 

lamp ballasts will surpass the unit sales of magnetic ballasts. 

5 
E. National Energy Impacts and the-Commend Forecasting Model

(3:15pm - 4:15pm)

The Department is using the Electric Power Research Institute's COMMEND forecasting

model to estimate future energy consumption of fluorescent lamp ballasts and ballast shipments on

a national scale . COMMEND analyzes the commercial market by building types, end uses, and

fuels to forecast the energy and economic impacts of energy efficient ballasts and the economic

transition of energy efficiency levels into that building stock . The Department is interested in

receiving comments and data concerning the accuracy and workability of the Commend

Forecasting Model , or any other forecasting model, with respect to energy efficient fluorescent

lamp ballasts.

V. NEXT STEPS (4:15pm - 4:25pm)

VI. EVALUATION OF WORKSHOP (4:25pm - 4:30pm)

VII. ADJOURNMENT (4:30pm)

6

EE-RM-97-500 COMMENT 0AA

E. National Energy Impacts and the Commend Forecasting Model 

(3:15pm - 4:15pm) 

The Department is using the Electric Power Research Institute's COMMEND forecasting 

model to estimate future energy consumption of fluorescent lamp ballasts and ballast shipments on 

a national scale. COMMEND analyzes the commercial market by building types, end uses, and 

fuels to forecast the energy and economic impacts of energy efficient ballasts and the economic 

transition of energy efficiency levels into that building stock. The Department is interested in 

receiving comments and data concerning the accuracy and workability of the Commend 

Forecasting Model, or any other forecasting model, with respect to energy efficient fluorescent 

lamp ballasts. . 

V. NEXT STEPS (4:15pm - 4:25pm) 

VI. EVALUATION OF WORKSHOP' (4:25pm - 4:30pm) 

VII. ADJOURNMENT (4:30pm) 

6