2-i 

CHAPTER 2. MARKET ASSESSMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2.1 SHIPMENT ESTIMATES ........................................................................................... 2-1

2.1.1 Energy Use by Sector..................................................................................... 2-1

2.1.2 High-Intensity Discharge Lamp Shipment Estimates .................................... 2-3

2.1.3 Manufacturers of High-Intensity Discharge Lamps, Luminaires, and 

Ballasts ........................................................................................................... 2-7

2.1.4 Distribution Channels .................................................................................... 2-7

2.1.5 Decision Makers ............................................................................................ 2-9

2.1.5.1 Residential Decision Makers ......................................................... 2-9

2.1.5.2 Commercial, Industrial, and Public Sector Lighting Decision 

Makers ........................................................................................... 2-10

2.2 APPLICATIONS FOR HIGH-INTENSITY DISCHARGE LAMPS .......................... 2-10

2.2.1 Residential Applications ................................................................................ 2-10

2.2.2 Commercial Applications .............................................................................. 2-11

2.2.3 Industrial Applications ................................................................................... 2-11

2.2.4 Other (Outdoor Public Sector) Applications.................................................. 2-11

2.3 CLASSIFICATION OF HIGH-INTENSITY DISCHARGE LUMINAIRES ............. 2-12

2.3.1 Proposed High-Intensity Discharge Luminaire Classification System .......... 2-12

2.3.1.1 Product Applications: Indoor ........................................................ 2-13

2.3.1.2 Product Applications: Outdoor ...................................................... 2-14

2.3.1.3 Product Applications: Specialty .................................................... 2-16

2.4 REGULATORY AND NON-REGULATORY PROGRAMS ..................................... 2-16

2.4.1 Regulatory Programs and Legislation Impacting High-Intensity Discharge 

Lamps ............................................................................................................. 2-16

2.4.1.1 Federal Regulatory Programs and Legislation .............................. 2-17

2.4.1.2 Draft Legislation ............................................................................ 2-18

2.4.1.3 DOE Background Studies ............................................................. 2-19

2.4.1.4 State Regulatory Programs ............................................................ 2-20

2.4.2 Non-Regulatory Programs Affecting High-Intensity Discharge Lamps ....... 2-23
2-ii

LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1.1. 2008 Total Lighting Technology (High-Intensity Discharge) Electricity 

Consumption ........................................................................................................ 2-1

Table 2.1.2. Installed Base of High-Intensity Discharge Luminaires in the United States ......... 2-3

Table 2.1.3. Distribution of Electricity Consumption by Sector of High-Intensity Discharge 

Lighting ................................................................................................................ 2-3

Table 2.1.4. Portion of Total NEMA High-Intensity Discharge Lamp Shipments ..................... 2-3

Table 2.1.5. Freedonia Group High-Intensity Discharge Lamp Shipments ................................ 2-5

Table 2.1.6. 2008 NEMA Shipments by Wattage Grouping ....................................................... 2-6

Table 2.3.1. Classification for Indoor Applications ................................................................... 2-13

Table 2.3.2. Classification for Outdoor Applications ................................................................ 2-14

Table 2.3.3. Classification for Specialty Applications .............................................................. 2-16

Table 2.4.1. California Metal Halide Fixture Requirements ..................................................... 2-20

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1.1. Shares of Sectoral Energy Use by Lighting Technology ....................................... 2-2

Figure 2.1.2. Proportion of Total High-Intensity Discharge Market by Type, 1990–2002 ......... 2-5

Figure 2.1.3. High-Intensity Discharge Lamp Distribution Channels ......................................... 2-8
2-1 

CHAPTER 2. MARKETING ASSESSMENT

For the market assessment of high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting, the U.S. 

Department of Energy (DOE) gathered information on the state of the industry and the market 

characteristics of HID lighting. DOE uses these data as some of the inputs to the life-cycle cost 

analysis and the national energy savings estimate. This chapter provides the quantitative and 

qualitative findings of the market assessment, including shipment estimates, market structure, 

installations and applications, and non-regulatory initiatives to improve HID lamp efficiency.

2.1 SHIPMENT ESTIMATES

The HID lamp market in the United States is an approximately $390 million per year 

industry, with annual sales exceeding 30 million units.1,2 In 2001, HID lamps consumed 

125 gigawatt-hours nationally, which is approximately 17 percent of the electricity consumed by 

all light sources and approximately 3.6 percent of total U.S. electricity generated in 2000.

3

Three light sources characterize the HID lighting market: mercury vapor (MV), 

high-pressure sodium (HPS), and metal halide (MH). Chapter 3, Technology Assessment, 

provides technical data on these HID lamp technologies, including details about their 

performance, light characteristics, operating life, and other information. 

 

2.1.1 Energy Use by Sector

Table 2.1.1 presents the energy consumption for lighting in four general sectors: three 

building related (residential, commercial, and industrial) and “other,” which includes street and 

area lighting, parking garages, and traffic signals. The other sector does not, however, represent 

all outdoor stationary HID luminaires. The three building-related sectors also include some 

outdoor stationary lighting, where the circuit for the outdoor luminaires is tied to the electric 

meter for a building (e.g., architectural facade lighting, parking lot lighting, residential security 

lighting). 

Table 2.1.1. 2001 Total Lighting Technology (High-Intensity Discharge) Electricity 

Consumption 

HID Lamp Consumption by Sector

terawatt-hours (TWh)

Residential Commercial Industrial Other Total*

Mercury Vapor 1 7 3 12 22

High-Pressure Sodium 0 6 5 30 41

Metal Halide N/A 34 25 4 62

Total for HID 1 47 33 46 125

Total 202 391 108 56 756

Source: DOE, Buildings Energy Data Book 2009, table 5.6.4.

* Note: Due to rounding, the sum of the columns may not equal the total provided.

Table 2.1.1 provides the electricity consumed in terrawatt-hours per lamp type for each

sector. The total lighting electricity consumption in the United States is estimated to be 756 TWh 

(2.6 quads) of primary energy. In a broader context, the total energy consumption in the United 

States was approximately 98.3 quads in 2001, of which more than one-third (about 37 quads) 
2-2 

was used to generate electricity.3 Thus, lighting accounted for about 7 percent of national 

primary energy consumption, or about 22 percent of the electricity generated in 2001. 

In addition, Table 2.1.1 provides details on specific HID technology energy consumption 

by sector. For the residential sector, where 90 percent of lighting energy use is consumed by 

incandescent technologies, HID sources account for less than 1 percent (0.66 terrawatt-hours per 

year [TWh/yr] or 0.002 quads) of the energy consumption. The commercial sector has a large 

share of HID sources, which constitute approximately 12 percent (47 TWh/yr or 0.16 quads) of 

the annual 391 TWh/yr of electricity use in this sector. The industrial sector also operates a large 

share of HID sources, which constitute 31 percent (33 TWh/yr or 0.11 quads) of this sector’s 

108 TWh/yr lighting-related energy usage. The primary consumer of lighting energy in the other 

sector is HID, which accounts for 82 percent (46 TWh/yr or 0.16 quads) of the other sector’s 56 

TWh/yr lighting electricity use. Across all four sectors, HID sources consumed 125 TWh/yr 

(0.42 quads) in 2001. This amounts to approximately 17 percent of the annual electricity 

consumption for lighting in the United States. 

Figure 2.1.1 shows the total lighting energy consumption for the four sectors and 

illustrates the amounts of energy used by the various lighting technologies. This figure further 

demonstrates the significance of HID technology and its dominance in the other sector.

Source: Navigant Consulting, Inc. (NCI), U.S. Lighting Market Characterization Volume I: 

National Lighting Inventory and Energy Consumption Estimate, 2002.

Figure 2.1.1. Shares of Sectoral Energy Use by Lighting Technology 

Table 2.1.2 presents the estimated installed base of HID luminaires in the United States

by technology and sector. HPS is the leading source in the other sector, while MH dominates in 

the commercial and industrial sectors. In the residential sector, MV is the most prevalent 

technology, with nearly three times more installations than HPS. The total estimated installed 

base of HID luminaires in the United States for 2001 was approximately 101 million units. 

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Other

Fluorescent

HID

Incandescent
2-3 

Table 2.1.2. Installed Base of High-Intensity Discharge Luminaires in the United States

HID Lamp Sector

number of units

Residential Commercial Industrial Other Total

Mercury Vapor 3,103,000 5,401,000 1,750,000 12,146,000 22,400,000

High-Pressure Sodium 1,204,000 5,814,000 2,694,000 34,347,000 44,058,000

Metal Halide N/A 19,378,000 10,706,000 4,726,000 34,809,000

Total 4,307,000 30,593,000 15,150,000 51,219,000 101,267,000

Source: NCI, U.S. Lighting Market Characterization Volume I: National Lighting Inventory and Energy 

Consumption Estimate, 2002.

Table 2.1.3 shows the electricity consumption of each lamp type as a percentage of total 

HID electricity consumption. HPS is prominent in the other sector, and MH is the largest 

electricity consumer in the commercial and industrial sectors. Overall, the residential sector 

accounts for only 0.5 percent of HID electricity consumption.

Table 2.1.3. Distribution of Electricity Consumption by Sector of High-Intensity Discharge 

Lighting 

HID Lamp Sector

% 

Residential Commercial Industrial Other* Total

Mercury Vapor 0 5 3 9 17

High-Pressure Sodium 0 5 4 24 33

Metal Halide N/A 27 20 4 50

Total 0 37 27 36 100

Source: DOE, Buildings Energy Data Book 2008, table 5.6.4.

* Note: Due to rounding, the sum of the columns may not equal the total provided.

2.1.2 High-Intensity Discharge Lamp Shipment Estimates

Table 2.1.4 presents estimates of annual HID lamp shipments to the U.S. lighting market, 

broken down into the three primary HID lamp types. These data were provided by the National 

Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), whose members are responsible for 100 percent 

of domestic HID lamp production and over 90 percent of national HID lamp sales.2

 

Table 2.1.4. Portion of Total NEMA High-Intensity Discharge Lamp Shipments

Year HID Lamp

%

Mercury Vapor High-Pressure Sodium Metal Halide

1990 32.12 38.34 29.53

1991 24.73 45.05 30.22

1992 23.62 44.22 32.16

1993 21.30 44.91 33.80

1994 19.92 43.98 36.10

1995 17.44 41.86 40.70

1996 15.77 42.65 41.58

1997 12.24 41.61 46.15

1998 9.21 40.13 50.66

1999 8.08 37.72 54.19

2000 5.73 36.62 57.64

2001 8.02 35.49 56.48

2002 7.29 35.56 57.14
2-4 

Table 2.1.4. (continued) 

Year HID Lamp

% 

Mercury Vapor High-Pressure Sodium Metal Halide

2003 6.83 34.85 58.32

2004 7.35 33.59 59.06

2005 7.01 36.69 56.29

2006 7.37 32.50 60.13

2007 6.37 31.60 62.03

2008 5.49 32.85 61.66

Source: NEMA data provided to DOE, 2003, 2008.

From 1990 to 2008, NEMA shipments of HID lamps nearly doubled, with the largest 

shipment in 2005. 

In 1990, MV lamps represented 32 percent of the total HID lamp shipments. In 2008, MV 

represented a mere 5 percent of total lamp shipments. Although the proportion of lamp 

shipments decreased significantly, the actual number of lamps shipped only decreased by 

70 percent. This is because the overall volume of HID lamps shipped increased by almost a 

factor of two between 1990 and 2008. In 2003, DOE released the draft report, Draft Framework 

for Determination Analysis of Energy Conversation Standards for High-Intensity Discharge 

Lamps, and received comments. The DOE draft report stated that, in 1990, the MV lamp 

shipments were 6.7 million units, and in 2002, 2.9 million units were shipped. This represents a 

57 percent decline in MV lamp shipments. Also in 2003, NEMA commented that “[a]bsent any 

newly created markets, we do not agree with the presumption that the trend of declining mercury 

vapor lamp shipments has bottomed out.”4

During the nearly 20-year period of data analyzed, HPS lamps accounted on average for 

38 percent of the total HID lamp shipments. In 1991, HPS represented the plurality of HID lamps 

shipped. Since that year, HPS lamp shipments have been on a decline relative to the total number 

of HID lamps shipped. In 2008, HPS only represented 33 percent of the total HID lamps shipped. 

In terms of absolute shipments, HPS peaked in 1999 at 12.6 million units shipped. In 2008, only 

10.9 million lamps were shipped. 

 

Of the three lamps in the HID family, MH lamps have grown in both percentage of total 

HID lamp shipments and absolute number of lamps shipped. In 1990, MH lamps only 

represented 30 percent of the HID lamps shipped, slightly less than the percentage that MV 

lamps represented. Eighteen years later, MH lamps represent 62 percent of all the HID lamps 

shipped. This growth is further demonstrated in the number of lamps shipped. In 1990, 

5.7 million MH lamps were shipped, compared with 20.4 million lamps shipped in 2008. This 

significant growth over the last 18 years stems from the commercialization of both the pulse-start 

quartz metal halide (PMH) and the ceramic metal halide (CMH) lamps.

DOE purchased a research report from the Freedonia Group5

Table 2.1.5

 regarding lamps. Section V 

of the report focuses on electric discharge lamps. The Freedonia report provides both historical 

analysis as well as future analysis. summarizes the estimates and projections in the 

Freedonia Group report. 
2-5 

Table 2.1.5. Freedonia Group High-Intensity Discharge Lamp Shipments

HID Lamp 1998 2003 2008 2013 2018

Million

Units

Portion 

of 

Total* 

%

Million

Units

Portion 

of 

Total

%

Million

Units

Portion 

of 

Total

%

Million

Units

Portion 

of 

Total* 

%

Million

Units

Portion 

of 

Total

%

Mercury Vapor 17 30.36 16 19.28 19 16.67 10 6.67 5 2.44

High-Pressure 

Sodium

24 42.86 39 46.99 50 43.86 70 46.67 100 48.78

Metal Halide 15 26.79 28 33.73 45 39.47 70 46.67 100 48.78

Total 56 100 83 100 114 100 150 100 205 100

* Note: Due to rounding, the sum of the columns may not equal the total provided.

Although the absolute values (and thus the portions) are different from the NEMA data, 

the Freedonia Group data reinforce the NEMA data. Both sets of data suggest that MV shipments 

are declining significantly, shipment of MH has grown considerably since the mid-1990s, and 

HPS represents a sizable yet relatively flat portion of the market.

Figure 2.1.2 illustrates the annual shipments and market share by HID lamp type (MV,

HPS, and MH).a

 It shows the obvious decline in MV shipments, contrasting with sales of HPS 

and MH. It also presents annual shipment data as a percentage of total shipments in a given year. 

The decline in the market share of MV lamps is even more evident, as the MV lamp proportion 

of total shipments contrasts sharply with shipments of MH. 

Source: NEMA data provided to DOE, 2009. 

Figure 2.1.2. Proportion of Lamp Type in High-Intensity Discharge Market, 1990–2008 

National shipments of HPS lamps appear to have leveled off after a strong growth period 

in the early 1990s. HPS lamps are a mature technology, having been commercially available for 

more than 40 years. 

 

a DOE prepared Figure 2.1.2 from the data in Table 2.1.5. 

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008

HID Lamp Market Share

Shipment Year

MH

HPS

MV
2-6 

Similar to HPS lamps, MH lamp technology is mature, although this is the only type of 

HID lamp that has increased market share in the last 10 years. Industry continues to invest in 

improving MH technology, enabling this technology to continue to compete strongly in both the 

HID lamp markets and other lighting markets, such as those typically serviced by fluorescent 

sources (e.g., retail stores). Examples of these performance improvements (discussed in chapter 3 

of this document) include pulse-start technology and the development of a ceramic arc tube. 

These and other improvements have extended the operational life and performance 

characteristics of MH technology, making it an attractive light source in many sectors and 

applications. 

Table 2.1.6 lists the domestic and import shipments of HID lamps, HPS represents 

33 percent of the total shipments, MH represents 60 percent of the shipments, and MV represents 

7 percent of the shipments. The data in Table 2.1.6 confirm the historical data shown in Table 

2.1.4 and Figure 2.1.2. For the last year of historical national sales data (2002) (Table 2.1.4), 

HPS represented 35 percent of national sales; MH represented 57 percent of national sales; and 

MV represented 8 percent of sales. Figure 2.1.2 depicts the historical shipment data for HID 

lamps. For the last year of available data (2008), MV represented about 5 percent (0 to 5 percent, 

Figure 2.1.2); HPS represented about 33 percent (5 to 38 percent, Figure 2.1.2); and MH 

represented 62 percent (38 to 100 percent, Figure 2.1.2) of the market.

Table 2.1.6. 2008 NEMA Shipments by High-Intensity Lamp Type and Wattage Grouping 

HID Lamp Wattage Range

%

1–149 W 150–500 W > 501 W

% per lamp 

type

% HID 

total

% per 

lamp type

% HID 

total

% per lamp 

type

% HID 

total

Mercury Vapor 37.68 2.07 58.75 3.23 3.58 0.20

High-Pressure Sodium 49.45 16.25 44.49 14.61 6.06 1.99

Probe-Start Quartz Metal Halide 0.48 0.30 52.11 32.13 11.41 7.03

Pulse-Start Quartz Metal Halide 8.28 5.11 9.93 6.12 0.62 0.38

Pulse-Start Ceramic Metal Halide 14.06 8.67 3.11 1.92 0.00 0.00

Table 2.1.6 shows the lamp shipments by wattage bin for HID lamps. The bins are the 

standard wattage groupings of low (less than or equal to 149 watts [W]), medium (150 to 

500 W), and high (greater than or equal to 501 W). A majority of the MV lamps shipped were of 

medium wattage, and many low-wattage MV lamps were shipped. The MV lamps’ commercial 

available (i.e., the wattage lamps sold by manufacturers) affect the MV distribution; there are 

many lamps available at 175, 250, 400, and 450 W. In contrast, fewer options are available in the 

other wattages. An almost equal number of low and medium wattage HPS lamps were shipped in 

2008. Virtually all of the HPS lamps shipped were 500 W or less. The typical applications HPS 

lamps are used dictate the distribution in the low and medium groups. Of the entire MH lamp 

family (probe, pulse, and ceramic), the majority of lamps shipped in 2008 were medium wattage 

probe-start lamps. Low and medium wattage pulse-start, both quartz and ceramic, comprise 

roughly 18 and 17 percent, respectively, of the entire MH market. The other significant amount 

of market share is the high-wattage probe-start market. These values are for 2008; in the future, 

the probe-start MH values will probably not be as sizable because of current and pending 

legislation (section 2.4). 
2-7 

2.1.3 Manufacturers of High-Intensity Discharge Lamps, Luminaires, and Ballasts

NEMA’s website lists manufacturers that constitute the NEMA membership for HID 

lamp manufacturing who are responsible for the entire domestic (U.S.) production of HID 

lamps.6

NEMA companies also include members that manufacture HID ballasts.

 

6 Electronic 

ballasts for HID lamps are relatively new to the marketplace;

7

 consequently, the list of 

manufacturers is shorter than the list established for magnetic ballast technology.8

The four largest lighting conglomerates in the United States are Acuity Lighting Brands, 

Cooper Lighting, Hubbell, and Philips. These manufacturers encompass numerous other 

companies and brands, and represent the majority of the domestic production of HID luminaires. 

All these 

manufacturers make luminaires for MH sources. Thirty-nine companies manufacture luminaires 

solely for MH sources, 42 companies manufacture luminaires for both HPS and MH sources, and 

27 companies manufacture luminaires for all HID sources (HPS, MV, and MH). Some of these 

luminaires are similar in shape, design, or construction but have specific features to 

accommodate the various light sources. Manufacturers that make products for different light 

sources may not manufacture the same luminaire type for each source.

2.1.4 Distribution Channels

Figure 2.1.3 shows the distribution channels for the HID lamp market. The structure of 

this figure is relevant for all end-use sectors (residential, commercial, industrial, and other); 

however, the volume of product going through the various channels varies. The dashed lines in 

the figure represent distribution channels that contractors infrequently use. DOE adapted this 

illustration of HID lamp distribution channels from Vorsatz,

9

 updating it using manufacturers’ 

and lighting specifiers’ literature to reflect the current HID lamp market. 
2-8 

Figure 2.1.3. High-Intensity Discharge Lamp Distribution Channels

HID lamp manufacturers sell products through six categories of distributors. Specialty, 

local, and regional retailers primarily serve the residential sector. Mail-order and electrical 

distributor networks are the principal outlets used by the commercial, industrial, and public 

sector lighting markets. The national accounts serve all sectors.

The specialty retailer is a broad distribution category typified by independently owned 

specialty lamp retailers. However, as an HID lamp distribution channel, it only represents 

roughly 10 percent of the total market for HID lamps.

Local retailers are relatively large retail outlets, such as local hardware stores. This 

limited outlet for HID products primarily serves the residential sector. Although product 

availability is limited, some local and small contractors may purchase HID lamps through these 

channels.

Regional retailers are the larger chain stores that have multiple locations. Similar to the 

local retailers, they usually offer a limited selection of HID lamps tailored to the residential 

sector. Contractors have limited contact with this channel.

Mail-order distribution is another major distribution channel. Although these distributors 

stock products used in all sectors, lamp availability through this channel is typically limited to 

high-volume items. Smaller businesses and contractors are the primary end-users for these 

distributors. However, the Internet is expanding the end-user base for these outlets and enabling 

them to adapt their offerings more quickly to end-user needs.

Large electrical-equipment distributors handle the majority of the HID lamp shipments, 

effectively operating as a wholesale clearinghouse for the HID lamp industry. Often, contractors 

HID Lamp Manufacturer

Internet

Manufacturer Representative

(4)

Mail Order 

Distributor

Consumer

(6)

National 

Accounts

Contractor Contractor

(5)

Electrical 

Distributor

(3)

Regional 

Retailer

(2)

Local 

Retailer

Contractor Contractor

(1)

Specialty 

Retailer

HID Lamp Manufacturer

Internet

Manufacturer Representative

(4)

Mail Order 

Distributor

Consumer

(6)

National 

Accounts

Contractor Contractor

(5)

Electrical 

Distributor

(3)

Regional 

Retailer

(2)

Local 

Retailer

Contractor Contractor

(1)

Specialty 

Retailer
2-9 

operate as intermediaries between end-users and distributors. Building-management companies, 

maintenance contractors, developers, municipalities, utilities, and related entities purchase lamps 

either directly from electrical-equipment distributors or through a contractor.

The sixth major channel of distribution is through the national accounts. Lamp 

manufacturers sell some products through large national retailers, such as Wal-Mart and Sears, 

and “big-box” retailers, such as Home Depot and Lowe’s. Large maintenance companies and 

other national businesses may also purchase lamps directly from the manufacturers. However, 

product availability through these outlets is limited to high-volume (commodity) HID products. 

The advent of the Internet created new opportunities that could significantly impact all 

distribution channels and sectors. In response to the growing base of Internet users, 

manufacturers created new online databases that list product offerings and links to various 

distribution channels for purchase. Although the references primarily link to mail-order 

distribution houses, other links to walk-in retailers are also available. For end-users interested in 

accessing products, these new online sources and distributors offer an alternative to the 

traditional channels of large retailers and specialty stores. Many of these websites incorporate 

“design centers” that help end-users match lamps with their needs, much like a knowledgeable 

specifier or sales representative would do. The total impact on shipments for this industry is 

small at this time.

2.1.5 Decision Makers

After initial installation of a luminaire, the purchase of replacement lamps becomes a 

maintenance issue. Therefore, in most cases, the luminaire purchasing decision dictates the 

subsequent replacement lamps purchased because there is very little interoperability of different 

lamp wattages or lamp types for the various HID ballasts. Specifiers who determine which light 

source to install are the electrical contractors, architects, lighting designers, electrical engineers, 

building owners, homeowners, building maintenance personnel, municipal officials, State 

officials (highway departments), and corporate officials who select HID luminaires for their 

properties. In addition, electrical distributors and manufacturers may also influence the choice of 

light sources. 

2.1.5.1 Residential Decision Makers

For the residential sector, the interaction between the builder (or homeowner) and the 

other stakeholders (i.e., designer, contractor, engineer, retailer, and electrical distributor) may 

change based on the budget and type of installation: new or retrofit. 

For both new and retrofit installations, the builder or homeowner typically acts as the 

primary specifier. The budget of the project generally determines the level of involvement of the 

various stakeholders. The role and decision-making power of the designer and contractor 

typically grows with the escalating cost of the project. However, as project budgets become 

tighter, direct involvement with retailers, electrical distributors, and the Internet gains 

prominence. 
2-10

2.1.5.2 Commercial, Industrial, and Public Sector Lighting Decision Makers

For the commercial, industrial, and public sectors, the interaction among decision makers 

is more complex than in the residential sector. The key decision makers in the commercial and 

industrial sectors are (1) the owner (or developer); (2) the building manager; (3) the design team 

(i.e., architect, engineer, lighting designer); and (4) the electrical contractor. 

Local utilities, municipalities, and state highway agencies install and maintain many of 

the luminaires used in the public sector. Thus, these “owners” of HID lighting systems represent 

the most influential figures in the public sector decision-making process. 

2.2 APPLICATIONS FOR HIGH-INTENSITY DISCHARGE LAMPS

The following sections discuss where and how the residential, commercial, industrial, and 

public sectors use HID lamps. 

2.2.1 Residential Applications

Compared to other lamp technologies, such as incandescent and fluorescent, HID light 

sources occupy a very small niche in the residential sector. Of the lighting electricity consumed 

in this sector in 2001, 90 percent was consumed by incandescent sources, over 9 percent was 

consumed by fluorescent sources, and less than 1 percent was consumed by HID sources.3 Due 

to their electrical (long warm-up time, lack of quick re-strike) and photometric (produce too 

much light, poor color quality compared to incandescent lamps) characteristics, HID lamps are 

not well-suited for most residential lighting applications. In this sector, HID lighting is used 

primarily in landscape and security-lighting applications.

For security applications, MV technology is popular because both the lamps and 

luminaires have low initial cost. The extremely long life of the MV lamp is an added bonus. 

These applications are typically areas in which lighting is needed for safety and visual 

assessment of the property to make the homeowner feel secure. The oldest of the three HID 

source types, MV was the first HID light source to enter the residential market. Many residential 

customers associate MV with residential security products, so the other HID sources have gained 

little penetration in the market. Initial price is also a major factor in the residential market 

decision-making process; the high initial costs of HPS and MH are another reason the MV 

dominates this application. 

In some rural areas, home and farm owners may lease a security light from an electric 

utility or a rural cooperative. This lease may carry a fixed tariff that does not measure actual 

electricity consumption. These luminaires have been primarily MV sources, but utilities now 

offer a wider array of sources, including HPS and MH. 

For landscape lighting, the capability of MV lamps to enhance the color of the foliage has 

created a niche application. The spectral power distribution (SPD) of MV light results in greater 

saturation of the shorter wavelength colors (from green to blue). Since most foliage is green, the 

light from the MV lamp gives it a richer appearance than the lumen output of the lamp would 

suggest, while creating greater contrast with its surrounding objects by muting the 

longer-wavelength colors (from red to yellow). MH lamps offer comparable performance while 
2-11

maintaining a much higher efficacy level; however, they have a higher initial cost and shorter 

operating life than MV lamps. MH landscape lighting use has increased in recent years with the 

commercialization of numerous reflector (parabolic aluminized reflector [PAR], multi-faceted 

reflector [MR]) lamp types, offered in a variety of wattage and light output ratings.

2.2.2 Commercial Applications

Of the lighting electricity consumed in the commercial sector in 2001, 32 percent was 

consumed by incandescent sources, 56 percent by fluorescent sources, and less than 12 percent

by HID sources.3 Despite their potential for significant energy savings, HID lamps are not widely 

used in interior applications in the commercial sector for several reasons. The primary reason for 

HPS, MV, and non-ceramic MH is low color-rendering index (CRI). Other limiting factors 

include long warm-up and re-strike times, ballast noise, lamp size, and limited compatibility with 

lighting controls. 

Recent improvements in MH technology incorporating pulse-start systems and ceramic

arc tube variants made the MH lamp more attractive than incandescent and fluorescent sources in 

certain applications (e.g., retail and hospitality spaces). Despite these improvements, end-of-life 

color shift is a problem associated with MH technology. Reflectorized MH (PAR, T-shaped, 

“AR-type”) lamps are used in accent lighting applications (e.g., track lighting), often to meet 

energy codes. Most MH lamps are large, so these lamps are typically used in downlights or lowbay style luminaires lighting commercial spaces.

2.2.3 Industrial Applications

Of the lighting electricity consumed in the industrial sector in 2008, 2 percent was 

consumed by incandescent sources, 67 percent by fluorescent sources, and less than 31 percent

by HID sources.3 HID lamps are popular in the industrial sector because the lamps offer a large 

“lumen package” (i.e., very high light output) with a relatively compact form factor. The 

maximum wattage for high-output fluorescent lamps is 200 W, whereas HID lamps in this 

application can be 1000 W or greater, with light ouput exceeding 100,000 lumens. Therefore, 

multiple fluorescent lamps are needed in a luminaire to equal the flux of the high-wattage HID 

sources. Unlike linear fluorescent lamps, HID lamps are “point sources” (i.e., the actual light 

source is a comparatively small plasma arc within the lamp envelope). Point sources like HID 

lamps allow for luminaires with good optical control, which can more efficiently deliver light to 

the work area from greater mounting heights. HID sources are best operated on long operating 

cycles (e.g., over 12 hours per start), which are typical for industrial applications. MH sources 

are typically specified in industrial applications where “white light” with adequate color 

rendering (CRI greater than 50) is required. 

2.2.4 Other (Outdoor Public Sector) Applications

HID lamps dominate public-sector lighting installations. Public-sector installations 

account for roughly 8 percent of the total electricity consumed by all lighting in the United 

States, and HID sources represent 87 percent, incandescent 12 percent, and fluorescent only 

1 percent.

3

 
2-12

For street and roadway lighting, HPS represents the vast majority of the public-sector

market, having replaced most MV installations. A small percentage of installations use MH, MV, 

or low-pressure sodium (LPS) (though LPS is not an HID source). Often, luminaires used in 

public-sector applications are equipped with photosensors that turn the luminaires on at dusk and 

off at dawn. 

MH lamps are now replacing some HPS lamps that previously replaced MV lamps. 

Although MH sources are less efficacious than HPS, MH sources offer superior color rendition 

and appear as a “white-light” source compared to HPS. In some area and street lighting

applications, utilities turned down requests by municipalities for MH sources because 

maintenance costs were too high compared to those of HPS sources. The PMH lamp addresses 

this problem, increasing lamp life compared to the standard probe-start MH. However, the life

for pulse-start MH is still shorter than typical HPS and MV lamps. Meanwhile, lamp 

manufacturers are addressing HPS color issues by trying to broaden the lamp SPD. The whitelight HPS products available today offer better CRI and correlated color temperature, but these 

improvements come at the cost of shorter lamp life and lower efficacy. MH and white-light HPS 

may be considered competitors in some applications, but lighting specifiers will typically specify 

MH for any application where color rendering or appearance are important. 

2.3 CLASSIFICATION OF HIGH-INTENSITY DISCHARGE LUMINAIRES

Lamps are intended to be used inside fixtures, also referred to as luminaires. To describe 

how the lamps are to be used, the luminaires need to be classified. Luminaire classifications help 

describe, organize, and catalog the HID lamp market for easy identification by specifiers, 

manufacturers, and consumers. Virtually all lighting industry luminaire classifications focus on 

the distribution of the luminaire, which varies with lamp type and fixture design. For instance, a 

classification system developed by the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage classifies 

luminaires by the proportion of upward and downward light emission. This system most aptly 

applies to suspended luminaires, where fluorescent dominates the market. A system developed 

by NEMA classifies luminaires by circular or oval distribution defined in terms of field angle. 

This system most aptly applies to floodlight luminaires, where HID sources dominate the market. 

A third system developed by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) 

classifies luminaires by distribution for desired patterns of illumination. This system is for 

area/roadway luminaires, where HID sources dominate. 

Since the existing classifications systems focus on luminaire distribution, DOE developed 

a system that takes into account the application, construction, and photometrics of luminaires 

that most typically use HID sources (non-HID sources typical of this luminaire type will be 

addressed as needed). 

2.3.1 Proposed High-Intensity Discharge Luminaire Classification System

In the following sections, DOE categorizes luminaires by selecting their most appropriate 

and distinguishing feature, whether in terms of their source, mounting, construction, or 

application. The three primary groups are indoor (includes both industrial and commercial), 

outdoor, and specialty (can be indoor or outdoor) applications. For applications, DOE adapted 

the classifications and their descriptions from luminaire manufacturers’ literature, industry 

standard practice, and the IESNA Lighting Handbook.

10 Although specialty-application
2-13

luminaires do not account for a large portion of the general-service HID market, DOE presents 

these to complete the classification of HID light-source applications. This classification system 

constitutes the product applications that DOE used in this analysis.

2.3.1.1 Product Applications: Indoor 

Table 2.3.1 summarizes the indoor application classifications. Detailed descriptions on 

each of these product applications follow the table. 

Table 2.3.1. Classification for Indoor Applications 

Classification Summary Description

Accent Luminaires providing directional lighting to emphasize a particular object or surface 

feature or to draw attention to a part of the field of view.

Down-Lighting Small direct-lighting units that direct the light downward. They may be recessed or 

surface-mounted.

Suspended Luminaires that are pendant-mounted via chain or cables or suspended from a post 

(stem). They may be direct, indirect, or direct/indirect combination luminaires.

High-Bay Luminaires providing general illumination, primarily in industrial applications, where 

the mounting height is greater than 25 feet.

Low-Bay Luminaires providing general illumination, primarily in industrial applications, where 

the mounting height is equal to or less than 25 feet.

Source: IESNA, The IESNA Lighting Handbook: Reference and Application, 2000.

Accent Lighting – Luminaires that provide light from a preferred direction (directional 

lighting) to emphasize a particular object or feature, or to draw attention to a part of the field of 

view. A point-source technology (e.g., incandescent) is needed to create the directional lighting, 

and large-source technologies (e.g., fluorescent) that create diffuse lighting are the least effective 

for this application. The luminaires can be either recessed or surface-mounted. Track lighting—a 

non-fixed system with track heads (housing for the lamp and typically the ballast)—is often used 

for accent lighting. Other non-track luminaires use some means of articulation for proper aiming. 

Although the small point source and high CRI of the new ceramic MH make it a competitive 

addition to this class, the light sources in this class are typically incandescent (e.g., halogen MR 

and PAR lamps). Ceramic MH sources are often used in applications where high CRI, significant 

illumination, small luminaires are needed, and are more often being installed to comply with 

stricter energy codes. 

Down-Lighting – Luminaires that provide general lighting in residential and commercial 

spaces. These luminaires either have a reflector designed around a point source or house a 

directional light source (i.e., a PAR or MR lamp). HID down-lights have not penetrated the 

residential market. HID down-lights are commonly used in applications in which the luminaire 

will operate for long periods of time and color appearance/rendering is not a high priority. 

Spaces with a mounting height greater than 9 feet are another potential application for downlights with HID sources. Canopy lights—luminaires typically found under gas station canopies 

or used in parking garages—almost always are one of the three HID sources. Ceramic MH and 

pulse-start ballasts enabled the use of low- to mid-wattage MH lamps in interior applications; 

however, incandescent and fluorescent sources still dominate interior down-light applications. 
2-14

Suspended Lighting – Luminaires range from decorative pendants/chandeliers to 

pendants used in office lighting. These luminaires emit light directly, indirectly, or a 

combination. Ornamental or decorative chandeliers typically operate incandescent sources. A 

small exception exists for large ornamental luminaires, which typically have the option for 

incandescent, fluorescent, or MH sources. Less decorative and more functional luminaires 

typically use fluorescent or compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) sources. 

High-Bay Lighting – Luminaires in spaces with high ceilings (greater than 25 feet) that

tend to be industrial applications. Typically, the luminaire spacing-to-mounting-height (S/MH) is 

less than or equal to 1.0 for these applications. Depending on the ceiling type and construction, 

these luminaires are either surface- or pendant-mounted. HID sources previously dominated this 

market; in recent years, fluorescent and CFL high-bay luminaires (known as high-intensity 

fluorescent [HIF]) represent a sizable share. Unlike HID, fluorescent technology allows for more 

control flexibility via easier dimming or switching groups of lamps. 

Low-Bay Lighting – Luminaires used for lighting spaces with ceiling heights less than 

25 feet. Applications include industrial, commercial, and retail spaces. The luminaire S/MH is 

typically greater than 1.0. These luminaires often appear similar to high-bay luminaires, but 

usually have different refractors and reflectors. HID sources represent a majority of the 

luminaires in this category, with HIF filling in the rest of the market. 

2.3.1.2 Product Applications: Outdoor 

Table 2.3.2 summarizes the classifications for outdoor applications. The IESNA defines 

seven types of classifications for outdoor luminaires: floodlight, sports light, area/roadway 

lighting, pathway, parking garage, security, and landscape. Detailed descriptions and further 

information on each of these product applications follow Table 2.3.2. 

Table 2.3.2. Classification for Outdoor Applications 

Classification Summary Description

Floodlight Luminaires for building lighting and other special applications.

Sports Lighting Luminaires designed to light playing fields.

Area/Roadway Lighting Luminaires designed to produce reasonably uniform illuminance on streets and 

roadways.

Pathway Luminaires designed for lighting pedestrian pathways.

Parking Garage Luminaires designed to light parking garages and lots.

Security Outdoor luminaires typically used visually to assess an area.

Landscape Luminaires designed to light buildings, planting, water features, and walkways.

Source: IESNA, The IESNA Lighting Handbook: Reference and Application, 2000.

Floodlight – Enclosed lensed luminaire with permanent reflector. These luminaires often 

light the exterior facades of buildings or large parking lots from a pole. It is common for the light 

distribution pattern to be square or rectangular for floodlights. HID luminaires completely 

dominate this market.

Sports Lighting – Luminaires with very narrow light distributions for lighting playing 

fields/surfaces from a great distance (often 100+ feet), either from the side or from above. This 

category is entirely composed of HID sources. Incandescent sources cannot provide the amount 
2-15

of light needed from the distance at which these luminaires are often located. Fluorescent (linear 

or compact) sources cannot be used because reflector design makes it impractical. These 

luminaires have devices to prevent glare and stray light. This is a specialty category of outdoor 

luminaires with a small number of applicable light sources and only a handful of luminaire 

manufacturers making products. 

Area/Roadway Lighting – Luminaires designed for illuminating major driving surfaces 

(e.g., streets, roadways, parking lots). HPS and MH are the main sources for this application. A 

very small percentage of the luminaires installed across the country use LPS (not an HID source) 

lamps. These luminaires are classified by photometric distribution and by appearance/mounting 

method. The two classifications are neither exclusive nor concurrent. A luminaire might have a 

specific appearance and mounting and yet be capable of numerous photometric distributions. 

Luminaires in this category are typically mounted above 15 feet and up to about 50 feet. 

Luminaires mounted above 50 feet are known as high-mast and produce the same photometric 

distributions as luminaires mounted at a lower height. The most typical luminaire in this category 

is known as the cobra head. The cobra head luminaire resembles the head of a snake, and more 

often than not, the arm that supports the head curves over the roadway. This allows the pole to be 

located in a right of way or off the road, while positioning the luminaire directly over the surface 

being lighted. A majority of the cobra head installations across the country contain HPS sources. 

“Architectural” roadway luminaires incorporate aesthetic design features, materials, and finishes 

not typically used in more common cobra head fixtures. Recently, luminaires using lightemitting diodes (LEDs), induction, or fluoresecent sources are penetrating these applications. 

Pathway – Luminaires designed to illuminate surfaces used by pedestrians. These 

luminaires are typically of two types: overhead or ground level. The overhead luminaires are 

often similar to street and roadway luminaires, but on a pedestrian-level scale with shorter pole 

heights. Typically, the overall height of the luminaire and pole does not exceed 15 feet. 

Luminaires mounted closer to ground level use low-wattage (less than 150 W) sources. The 

stereotypical pathway source is the bollard. This is a round or square luminaire between 30 and 

60 inches tall, made of concrete, aluminum, or steel. HID sources represent a large portion of the 

pathway luminaire market, but luminaires for CFL and incandescent sources are also used. 

Recently, luminaires with LEDs have entered this market as well. Pathway luminaires are most 

prone to vandalism or accidental breakage from snowplows or other vehicles because the 

luminaire is located near the ground. 

Parking Garage – Luminaires are typically either surface-mounted or suspended near 

the ceiling. Gas station canopy luminaires often fall in this category. Parking garage luminaires 

produce light over a very wide area compared to the distance they are mounted above the 

surface. HID sources comprise a majority of the installations, followed by fluorescent sources. 

Recently, luminaires with LEDs have entered this market as well.

Security – Luminaires specifically installed to provide a sense of safety or to illuminate a 

field of view for safety/security reasons. Luminaires in this category include recessed step lights 

for lighting steps, wall-mounted luminaires at building entrances, and wall packs. Step lights are 

typically recessed luminaires mounted approximately 2 feet above a stair or walkway. Typical 

sources include CFL or incandescent sources; LEDs have entered this market as well. HID 
2-16

sources are sometimes used, but security luminaires typically need both a low-wattage source 

and a small-size source. Wall packs are the most common security light. Wall pack luminaires 

are mounted on the exterior facades of buildings with the purpose of lighting the area for safety. 

HID sources are prevalent for wall packs. For most other security luminaires, one source does 

not dominate the market.

Landscape – Luminaires light foliage, parts of building facades, water features, exterior 

statues, etc. Unlike floodlights, landscape luminaires are used to illuminate discrete landscape 

and architectural features. Low-voltage halogen represents the bulk of this market. HID sources

excluding HPS are also used. Of the HID sources, MH is most often used because its compact 

lamp types (T6, PAR, MR) allow good optical control. For specific types of foliage, MV is the 

ideal source because of the spectrum of light produced by the source. The largest drawback for

HID sources in landscape lighting is lack of interchangeability. HID sources use wattage-specific 

ballasts, which precludes using lamps with different wattages and light output. If lighting 

requirements change over time (e.g., the lighted object grows larger), the original fixture and 

lamp type may no longer meet the application needs. 

2.3.1.3 Product Applications: Specialty 

HID luminaires in specialty applications often use lamp shapes and bases that are not 

typically associated with general-service HID lamps discussed in the indoor and outdoor 

application groupings. Therefore, some lamps used in specialty applications could be exempt 

from standards. Although the impact from this product application would be very small, DOE

included them in this report for completeness. Table 2.3.3 presents the classification of specialtyproduct applications. 

Table 2.3.3. Classification for Specialty Applications 

Classification Summary Description

Theatrical

Luminaires

Luminaires designed with precise optical control and maximum flexibility. These are 

niche products used in the stage, studio, and other related fields.

Reprographics Lamps used in reprography, such as photography and photocopying.

2.4 REGULATORY AND NON-REGULATORY PROGRAMS 

As part of this analysis, DOE reviews all voluntary and compulsory programs that relate 

to HID technology. This review gives DOE a greater understanding of the marketplace in which 

HID lamp, ballast, and luminaire manufacturers operate as well as what programs and trends 

may influence the future of the market.

2.4.1 Regulatory Programs and Legislation Impacting High-Intensity Discharge Lamps

DOE reviewed Federal and State regulatory programs and legislation that impact HID 

technology, and applications where HID has a large market share. DOE acknowledges that the 

following does not discuss all programs and legislation affecting HID technology, but that its 

review addresses the major Federal examples and, where possible, representative State programs 

are listed as well.
2-17

2.4.1.1 Federal Regulatory Programs and Legislation

In 2005, the President signed into law the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005), 

which amended and expanded parts of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct 1992). This 

regulation included the requirement that ballasts for MV lampsb

 cannot be imported or 

manufactured effective January 1, 2008.11

EPAct 1992 required states to adopt an energy code for buildings, which includes energy 

consumption guidelines for lighting. On July 15, 2002, DOE issued a determination that 

ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA (American National Standards Institute/American Society of Heating, 

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers/Illuminating Engineering Society of North 

America) Standard 90.1-1999 (Std. 90.1) was more stringent than 90.1-1989.

 

12

Both the current Std. 90.1-2010 Standard as well as California’s Energy Efficiency 

Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings, Title 24, Part 6 (Title 24), have stated 

minimum efficacy values for lighting exterior building grounds.

As a result, each 

state must certify that it reviewed and updated the provisions of its commercial building code 

regarding energy efficiency to meet or exceed Standard 90.1-1999 by July 15, 2004, for any 

“building” under the means of Section 303(2) of EPAct, as amended. EPAct 2005 provides 

substantial property tax credits for commercial properties that exceed the allowed lighting power 

density in Std 90.1-2001 by at least 25 percent. Further, EPAct 2005 requires new federal 

buildings constructed to be designed 30 percent less than the current version of Std 90.1 (Std. 

90.1-2004 at time of enactment).

13

In addition to the minimum efficacy values, energy codes regulate energy use via the 

power density (watts per square or linear foot, depending on the application) of luminaire 

installations. Prescriptive design requirements allow a variety of energy efficient sources to be 

used without banning or restricting technologies outright. As the power density values decrease, 

the demand for more efficient lighting increases. 

All luminaires for exterior 

building grounds that operate at greater than 100 W must contain lamps having a minimum 

efficacy of 60 lumens per watt (lm/W), unless the luminaire is controlled by a motion sensor or 

qualifies for one of the exceptions. This minimum efficacy value affects HID sources and, in 

some cases, prevents HID sources from being used in non-residential applications. 

A number of states and the Federal government set requirements for MH ballasts of 

specific wattages. The Energy Independence Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007) requires ballast 

efficiency (Pin/Pout) values for MH fixtures between 150 and 500 W of 88 percent for pulse-start, 

94 percent for probe-start, 90 percent for nonpulse-start electronic ballasts operating lamps 

between 150 and 250 W; and 92 percent for nonpulse-start electronic ballasts operating lamps 

between 250 and 500 W. EISA 2007 allows a one-time exception to California. 

In 1999, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency required recycling (based on volume 

of use) and proper disposal of lamps containing mercury. All HID lamps contain mercury. 

 

b Some ballasts for special applications are exempted from the ban of importation or manufacture.
2-18

2.4.1.2 Draft Legislation

During 2009, different members of Congress drafted legislation focusing on energy 

efficiency, with aspects of this draft legislation affecting HID lamps and luminaires primarily 

using HID lamps. Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA36) introducted H.R. 1732: Outdoor Lighting 

Efficiency Act, which was referred to Committee. The requirements in H.R. 1732 were later 

adopted in H.R. 2454: American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, sponsored by by Rep. 

Henry Waxman (D-CA30), and passed by the House on June 26, 2009. H.R. 2454 had 

requirements for outdoor lighting: 

1. Each outdoor luminaire manufactured on or after January 1, 2016, shall:

a. have an initial luminaire efficacy of at least 50 lm/W; and

b. be designed to use a light source with a lumen maintenance, calculated as mean rated 

lumens divided by initial lumens, of at least 0.6. 

2. Each outdoor luminaire manufactured on or after January 1, 2018, shall:

a. have an initial luminaire efficacy of at least 70 lm/W; and

b. be designed to use a light source with a lumen maintenance, calculated as mean rated 

lumens divided by initial lumens, of at least 0.6. 

3. In addition to the requirements of paragraphs (1) through (3), each outdoor luminaire 

manufactured on or after January 1, 2016, shall have the capability of producing at least 

two different light levels, including 100 percent and 60 percent of full lamp output as 

tested with the maximum rated lamp power UL1598 or the manufacturers’ maximum 

specified for the luminaire under test. Outdoor luminaires used for roadway lighting 

applications shall be exempt the two light level requirement.

Other requirements in the bill focus on outdoor high light output lamps:c

On March 2, 2010, Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) introduced the National Energy 

Efficiency Enhancement Act of 2010. This bill was cosponsored by Evan Bayh (D-IN), Thad 

Cochran (R-MS), Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), 

Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Debbie Ann Stabenow (D-MI). The draft legislation includes 

requirements for outdoor pole-mounted lighting and MV lamps: “A general purpose mercury 

vapor lamp shall not be manufactured on or after January 1, 2016.

 “Each outdoor 

high light output lamp manufactured on or after January 1, 2017 shall have a lighting efficiency 

of at least 45 lumens per watt.” 

14

DOE’s review of legislation affecting HID technology indicated three major approaches: 

regulating lamp efficacy, regulating lumen maintenance, and requiring multi-state operation of a 

light source. 

” 

 

c This is not an industry term. The bill defines the term as “a lamp that (a) has a rated lumen output not less than 

2601 lumens; (b) is capable of being operated at a voltage of not less than 110 volts and not greater than 300 volts, 

or driven at a constant current of 6.6 amperes; (c) is not a Parabolic Aluminized Reflector Lamp; and (d) is not a Jtype double-ended (T-3) halogen quartz lamp, utilizing R-7S bases that is manufactured before January 1, 2015.”
2-19

The proposed outdoor lighting bill bans MV lamps outright because MV lamps are the

most inefficient HID source. H.R. 2454 sets the bar for a class of lamps at 45 lm/W, effectively 

eliminating most MV sources. The outdoor lighting bill set minimum luminaire efficacy values, 

calculated as the amount of light leaving the luminaire (measured in lumens) divided by the input 

power (watts) supplied to the luminaire. For HID lighting, fixture efficacy can be calculated by 

multiplying the fixture efficiency by the lamp/ballast efficacy.d Chapter 3 includes more 

information about lamp/ballast efficacy. However, typical parking lot and area luminaires (polemounted luminaires that comprise much of exterior lighting) typically have downward fixture 

efficienciese between 54.8 and 88.7 percent, with an average of 75.3 percent.15

2.4.1.3 DOE Background Studies

The minimum 

lamp/ballast efficiacy can be calculated by dividing the required 50 lm/W fixture efficacy by the 

typical luminaire efficiency of 75 percent. If the outdoor lighting bill is enacted and the fixture 

efficiency stays the average, then the lamp/ballast efficacy would have to be 66.6 lm/W to meet 

the required 50 lm/W fixture efficacy. Again, under that legislation, when the minimum fixture 

efficacy increased to 70 lm/W, the minimum lamp/ballast efficacy would 93.3 lm/W, assuming 

that the fixture efficiency stayed constant.

In 2004, DOE published High-Intensity Discharge Lamps Analysis of Potential Energy 

Savings (Docket EE-DET-03-001). The scope of the document was HID lamps but focused on an 

in-depth analysis of MV lamps. While developing and after publishing the document, DOE 

received comments on the draft document as follows:

• In 2003, a representative of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) stated, 

“The affect on Caltrans if mercury vapor ceased to be an option would be minimal. At 

this time, we are installing no new MV street lighting fixtures, and have replaced most of 

those that were installed 30 to 40 years ago with HPS.”16

• In 2003, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) stated, 

“ACEEE agrees that it makes sense to establish a minimum efficacy standard that 

eliminates mercury vapor lamps for many, if not all, applications...It should be noted that 

some states are adopting even more stringent codes resulting in rapid adoption of pulsestart metal halide in new installations....ACEEE believes that the Department should 

explore the potential for setting minimum efficacy requirements for HID that would 

effectively eliminate probe-start metal halide lamps greater than 150 W-the best high 

wattage probe-start lamps (i.e., 1000 W lamps) can match pulse-start efficacies and 

would not be affected. Pulse-start metal halide lamps offer immediate energy savings 

relative to probe-start lamps and offer the potential for even greater savings as electronic 

ballasts become more widely available. The technical, life cycle cost, and energy savings 

analyses should include the substitution of pulse-start metal halide for both mercury 

vapor and probe-start metal halide lamps to determine the cost and savings associated 

with a higher efficacy requirement.”17

 

d Fixture efficiency is the percentage of light emitted by the luminaire (fixture) divided by the amount of light 

generated by the lamp.

e Downward efficiency is the percentage of light emitted by the luminaire between 0 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (°F). 

It is typically reported for area, parking, and roadway luminaires. Although additional light may be emitted above 

90 °F, it provides no value to lighting the intended surfaces.
2-20

• In 2004, independent lighting designer Jim Benya of Benya Lighting Design stated: “In 

my opinion, banning mercury vapor technology is warranted.”18

• In 2005, NEMA stated that it would “oppose any DOE rulemaking that imposed a 

lumens-per-watt standard on HID lamps such that a formal, regular reporting of 

measurements of metal halide and high pressure sodium lamp efficacies would be 

required to prove that no lamps with MV-type efficacies are being placed on the market. 

Such reporting would represent a gross administrative overkill to achieve the 

objective.”19

• In 2005, ACEEE stated that it is “disappointed that DOE is not addressing other savings 

opportunities from HID lamps, specifically the savings available from replacing probestart metal halide lamps with pulse-start metal halide technology. However, at this time 

several states are developing standards on these metal halide products, so we recommend 

that DOE let states take the lead on these products rather than doing further work in ths 

area at the present time.”20

In summary, DOE received no comments advocating for MV lamps, but did receive 

comments to set pulse-start MH as the efficacy standard. 

2.4.1.4 State Regulatory Programs

Effective January 1, 2008, MH luminaires with lamps in all operating positions ranging 

from 150 to 500 W cannot contain a probe-start ballast in Arizona, Oregon, or Washington. New 

York and Rhode Island have similar laws effective January 1, 2008. In New York and Rhode 

Island, only luminaires with lamps operating in a vertical position (± 15 degrees of vertical) shall 

not contain probe-start ballasts.

21

Under Title 20, California has an appliance efficiency program and requirements in place 

regarding MH luminaires (fixtures) since 2006 (

 

Table 2.4.1) 22

Table 2.4.1. California Metal Halide Fixture Requirements

. 

General Title 20 Enactments

Milestone Date Description

1/1/06 Luminaires with lamps oriented vertically with the base up at rated wattages 150–500 W 

shall not contain a probe-start MH ballast.

1/1/08 Luminaires with lamps oriented vertically with the base down at rated wattages 150–500 W 

shall not contain a probe-start MH ballast. 

Luminaires rated wattages 150–500 W shall not contain a probe-start MH ballast.

Luminaires rated wattages 150–500 W shall not contain a metal halide ballast with a 

minimum ballast efficiency of 88 percent. Exceptions include:

• Luminaires with electronic ballasts that operate at 480 V. 

• Luminaires rated at 150 W, rated for use in wet locations per NEC and contain a ballast 

rated to operate at ambient air temperature above 50 °F.

1/1/10 Metal halide luminaires rated partially within the range of 150 to 5000 W shall not have 

probe-start ballasts and comply with Section 1605.3(n)(2)(A) as applicable.
2-21

Table 2.4.1. (continued.)

Specific Title 20 Enactments 

Section Description

1605.3(n)(2)(A) • Indoor metal halide luminaires manufactured on or after January 1, 2010 shall comply 

with at least one option of Section 1605.3(n)(2)(B). 

• Indoor metal halide luminaires manufactured on or after January 1, 2015 shall comply 

with Section 1605.3(n)(2)(B)4 and shall also comply with at least one other option of 

Section 1605.3(n)(2)(B).

• Outdoor metal halide luminaire manufactured on or after January 1, 2010 may comply 

with Section 1605.3(n)(2)(B)3 and shall comply with at least on other option of Section 

1605.3(n)(2)(B).

1605.3(n)(2)(B) • A minimum ballast efficiency of 90 percent for 150–250 W lamps or 92 percent for 251–

500 W lamps.

• A minimum ballast efficiency of 88 percent and occupant sensors that are integral control 

as defined in Section 1602(n) of this Article, shipped with the factory default setting to 

reduce lamp power automatically through dimming by a minimum of 40 percent within 30 

minutes or less after an area has been vacated.

• A minimum ballast efficiency of 88 percent and automatic daylight integral control as 

defined in Section 1602(n) of this Article, shipped with the factory default setting to 

reduce lamp power automatically through dimming by a minimum of 40 percent.

• A minimum ballast efficiency of 88 percent and a relamping rated wattage within only one 

of the four wattage bins specified. The luminaire shall be able to operate lamps within 

only one of the four wattage bins and shall not be rated for any lamp wattage outside of 

that wattage bin. The luminaire shall have a permanent, pre-printed factory-installed label 

that states the relamping rated wattage: 150–160, 200–215, 290–335, or 336–500. When 

operating 336–500 W lamps, the luminaire shall be prepackaged and sold together with at 

least one lamp per socket having a minimum lamp efficacy of 80 lumens per watt, based 

on published mean lumens and rated lamp power (watts).

Exceptions to 

1605.3(n)(2)

The following metal halide lighting systems shall not have probe-start ballasts and are not 

required to meet the minimum ballast efficiency requirements:

• Luminaires that use regulated lag ballasts;

• Luminaires that use electronic ballasts which operate 480 V; or

• Luminaires that meet all three of the following requirements:

− Rated for use only with 150 W lamps, and

− Rated for use in wet locations per NEC, and

− Contain a ballast rated to operate at ambient air temperature above 50 °F.

California’s Title 20 aligns the State appliance requirements with the Federal 

requirements. The rules effective in 2010 push consumers toward electronic ballasts. The 

efficiencies in 1605.3(n)(2)(B) are the ballast efficiencies in EISA 2007 for nonpulse-start 

electronic ballasts. Dimming requirements (reduce power to 40 percent) per 1605.3(n)(2)(B) can 

only be achieved via electronic ballasts. It is possible with magnetic ballasts, but inefficient, 

more expensive, and harder to compete with electronic ballasts. Finally, California’s 

requirements of 80 mean lm/W push consumers to better lamps. Better lamp lumen maintenance 

can be achieved with electronic ballasts than with magnetic ballasts, but also needs a better lamp 

to actually achieve the required system efficacy. 

Another example of an efficacy requirement indirectly affecting HID sources is the 

Minnesota Statute 216C.19, which states, “[n]o new highway, street or parking lot lighting may 

be installed in violation of these rules. Existing lighting equipment, excluding roadway sign 

lighting, with lamps with initial efficiencies less than 70 lumens per watt must be replaced when 
2-22

worn out with light sources using lamps with initial efficiencies of at least 70 lumens per watt.”23

Several states and a number of municipalities passed “dark-sky” ordinances aimed at 

reducing light pollution. While most of these ordinances focus on eliminating light pollution by 

addressing luminaire type and shielding, some (e.g., Arizona) specifically address the light 

source. Often, these municipalities are trying to ban a certain portion of the visible light 

spectrum. Astronomical observatories and coastal areas can be negatively impacted by certain 

spectral content that affects nighttime sky observation and animal habitats.

Although the statute is technology neutral, it effectively excludes incandescent halogen lamps 

and virtually all CFL sources. This statute focuses on roadway lighting and affects applicable 

HID sources. MV lamps could not be installed in any application under this statute. 

24

• Arizona’s statute states, “No new mercury vapor outdoor light fixtures shall be installed 

after the effective date of this section. No replacement equipment other than bulbs for 

mercury vapor lighting fixtures shall be sold in the state after January 1, 1991 and the use 

of mercury vapor light fixtures is prohibited after January 1, 2011.”

 However, 

regulatory authority is not consistent; some ordinances cover only the lighting owned by the 

regulatory entity (e.g., State or municipal), while others cover privately owned lighting as well. 

Examples of source-specific State requirements are as follows:

25

• The City of San José, California, restricts source type because of the local observatory. 

“The use of low-pressure (LPS) sodium lighting for outdoor, unroofed areas shall be 

required for all private development in the City of San José as a condition of approval on 

all Land Use Development Permits.”

 

26

In addition to dark-sky ordinances, numerous State departments of transportation have 

specifications that focus on HID technology. In addition to their specifications, these 

departments and other municipalities have prequalified lighting-procurement programs that 

specifically govern HID sources. For example, the Kansas Department of Transportation has a 

list of prequalified lighting systems that specifically list MH and HPS technology.27

The Model-Lighting Ordinance (MLO) is a joint effort by IESNA and the International 

Dark-Sky Association (IDA) to provide a sample code that municipalities can adopt. The MLO 

pertains to outdoor lighting only. In contrast to the major energy codes, the MLO recommends 

restricting light output in terms of initial lumens for environmental zones. Where 

ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 and California Title 24 Standard regulate installed power 

density for the different environmental zones, the MLO gives a total lumen value for the zones. 

At the time of this publication, the MLO had not been completed by the IESNA/IDA Joint Task 

Force. Therefore, no actual values were provided. 

 Although 

this is not an outright regulatory program, it is an example of municipal action that directly 

affects HID technology. 

California Title 24 requires spaces with two or more luminaires lighting building facades, 

parking lots, garages, non-sales canopies, and all outdoor sales areas to reduce the lighting power 

by 50 percent when the lighting is not needed. Compliance with this code can be achieved via 

continuous dimming and “hi-lo” ballasts (stepped dimming ballasts) as well as switching every 

other luminaire. 
2-23

After an incident in a school in Oregon where teachers were injured by burns to their eyes 

(via excessive ultraviolet radiation exposure) by a damaged MH lamp, the State of Oregon 

mandated that all schools replace MH and MV lamps with self-extinguishing versions.28

2.4.2 Non-Regulatory Programs Affecting High-Intensity Discharge Lamps

DOE’s review of non-regulatory programs promoting higher-efficiency HID sources 

found that there are four general types of programs that are either prescriptive or performancebased. A prescriptive program would provide an incentive for using an efficient technology (with 

the assumption that with the equipment installed, energy will be saved). A performance-based

program would provide an incentive for saving energy with little restrictions on how those 

savings were achieved. 

The first type of program promotes energy efficiency through sponsored retrofits, either 

on a prescriptive (technology) basis or on a minimum efficacy (lm/W threshold) basis. The 

second type of program encourages using the most efficient technology in new installations. The 

third type of program encourages higher-efficiency technology, with the objective of reducing 

peak-load demand. This type of program applies more to indoor HID luminaires than outdoor 

lighting, which typically operates during off-peak hours. Incentives in this category are based on

kilowatts saved during peak periods without dictating the technology used to reduce the load. 

The fourth and final type of program focuses on reducing energy (kilowatt hours) through more 

efficient technology. Again, this does not prescribe specific technologies, but instead rewards 

energy savings. 

In Appendix A, DOE provides a summary of non-regulatory programs in the United 

States that focus on lighting and HID technology. Each program is described briefly, identifying 

the target technology, the incentives offered, and a website for more information. Although the 

list is not exhaustive, some type of program exists in 23 states that specifically focuses on HID 

technology. Incentives exist for either installing new HID sources or replacing HID sources with 

non-HID sources. In general, the incentives treat MV and MH as the “old inefficient” sources to 

be replaced. The three most common incentives are: 

1. PMH – These incentives are for PMH fixtures or lamps/ballasts replacing incandescent, 

MV, MH, and HPS technology. The incentives can include either quartz or ceramic PMH 

lamps. The incentives range from $18 to $100. The most common PMH incentive is the 

320 W replacement for a 360 W or 400 W MH system. PMH being more efficacious and 

having better lumen maintenance than MH lamps means that, over the operating life, the 

lower wattage PMH system is equal or better than the standard higher wattage MH 

systems.

2. HIF – These incentives are for multi-lamp T5 or T8 fluorescent low/high bay luminaires. 

Incentives range from $50 to $125 for replacing HID fixtures. The rationale for these 

incentives is that fluorescent lamps can be dimmed more easily than HID lamps. Multilamp fixtures can also be switched off in different pairings. These control features save 

energy. The high lumen maintenance (above 0.90) for fluorescent lamps, the high 

efficacy (above 90 lm/W), and the long rated life when operated for long periods (over 

30,000 hours) makes HIF a good option compared to traditional HID fixtures. 
2-24

3. Integrally-ballasted CMH lamp – This is a PAR lamp with an integral electronic ballast. 

Other incentives exist for CMH lamps but those are similar to other PMH incentives. 

Incentives range from $12 to $25 for this type of lamp, which directly replaces halogen 

PAR 38 lamps. This type of CMH lamp yields at least a 50 percent energy savings 

compared to the halogen lamps. The CMH lamps typically have a rated life of 12,000 

hours, which is double the best rated life for halogen lamps. 

Programs or incentives for demand or energy reduction were not listed in Appendix A 

unless the program specifically mentioned HID technology. Other programs that addressed HID 

technology, but did not provide data (required user to contact agency), were also not listed in 

Appendix A. 
2-25

REFERENCES

1. Updyke, C. Personal communication. National Electrical Manufacturers Association Lamp 

Section. E-mail to the U.S. Department of Energy. May 2, 2003. 

2. National Electrical Manufacturers Association. Personal communication. Meeting with the 

U.S. Department of Energy. January 21, 2003. 

3. U.S. Department of Energy–Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. 2009 

Buildings Energy Data Book. October 2009. 

<http://buildingsdatabook.eere.energy.gov/docs/DataBooks/2008_BEDB_Updated.pdf> 

4. U.S. Department of Energy–Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. 

Comments from the Public Meeting for Technical Support Document: Energy Efficiency 

Program for Commercial and Industrial Equipment: High-Intensity Discharge Lamps 

Analysis of Potential Energy Savings. December 2004. Transcript for Docket DOE EEDET-03-001, Comment 06. 

5. The Freedonia Group, Inc. Industry Study 2549 LAMPS. September 2009, Cleveland, OH. 

6. National Electrical Manufacturers Association. General Lighting High Intensity Discharge 

Lamps: Manufacturers. 2010. (Last accessed January 15, 2010.) 

<https://www.nema.org/prod/lighting/lamps/general/> 

7. National Electrical Manufacturers Association. High Intensity Discharge (Electronic 

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<http://www.nema.org/prod/lighting/ballasts/electronic/hid/> 

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CA. Report No. LBNL-39102, UC-1600. 

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11. Energy Policy Act of 2005, Public Law 109-58, 119 Statute 626. 

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the Energy Standard for Buildings, Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, ASHRAE/

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pp. 46464–46488. 
2-26

13. California Energy Commission. 2008 Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential 

and Nonresidential Buildings. (Last accessed June 2010.) 

<http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/2008standards/index.html> 

14. U.S. Senate S3059. National Energy Efficiency Enhancement Act of 2010. 

<http://energy.senate.gov/public/_files/S3059asintroduced.pdf> 

15. McColgan, M. and J. Van Derlofske. Specifier Report: Parking Lot and Area Luminaires. 

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9, no. 1. 

16. U.S. Department of Energy–Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. 

Comments from the Public Meeting for Technical Support Document: Energy Efficiency 

Program for Commercial and Industrial Equipment: High-Intensity Discharge Lamps 

Analysis of Potential Energy Savings. December 2004. Transcript for Docket DOE EEDET-03-001, Comment 08. 

17. Ibid, Comment 11. 

18. Ibid, Comment 13. 

19. Ibid, Comment 14. 

20. Ibid, Comment 15. 

21. New York State–Department of State: Division of Code Enforcement and Administration: 

Laws & Regulations. Title 19–Appliance and Equipment Energy Efficiency Standards. 

Official Compilation of the Rules and Regulations of the State of New York. 

22. California Energy Commission. 2009 Appliance Efficiency Regulations. (Last accessed 

June 2010.) CAL. CODE REGS title 20, § 1605.3(n)(2) (2010) 

< http://www.energy.ca.gov/2009publications/CEC-400-2009-013/CEC-400-2009-

013.PDF> 

23. Minnesota Department of Transportation. Roadway Lighting Design Manual May 2006. 

(Last accessed June 2010.) 

<http://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/lighting/lightingdesignmanual.pdf> 

24. International Dark-Sky Association. IDA Suggested Lighting Zones for Codes and 

Ordinances. (Last accessed January 15, 2010.) 

<http://www.darksky.org/mc/page.do?sitePageId=90679> 

25. Arizona State Legislature Revised Statu[t]es. Title 49–The Environment, Chapter 7, Article 

1–Light Pollution. 49-1104: Use of mercury vapor light fixtures. (Last accessed January 15, 

2010). <http://www.phoenixdarkskies.org/arizonalightingordinances.html> 
2-27

26. City of San José, California. City Council Policy 4-3. Outdoor Lighting on Private 

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<www.sanjoseca.gov/planning/counter/policies/pol_lighting.pdf> 

27. Kansas Department of Transportation–Bureau of Materials and Research. List of 

Prequalified Roadway Lighting Systems & Equipment. PQL–24.2–Revised 05/01/2009. 

(Last accessed January 15, 2010.) <www.ksdot.org/burmatrres/pql/pql-24-02.pdf> 

28. (State of) Oregon Revised Statutes. Relating to school lighting. Amending ORS 332.207 

and section 2, chapter 312, Oregon Laws 2007. 74th Oregon Legislative Assembly--2008 

Special Session. (Last accessed January 15, 2010.) 

<http://www.leg.state.or.us/08ss1/measures/sb1000.dir/sb1067.intro.html>