Code Alerts! Sign-up to receive email alerts on important electric code changes.

(Rosslyn, Va.) October 1, 2008— The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the Next Generation Lighting Industry Alliance (NGLIA) welcomed the September 30 announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy that the ENERGY STAR^® Solid State Lighting (SSL) Program has become effective. With consumers in mind, the program will label SSL lighting equipment – including undercabinet, recessed downlights and outdoor path, step and porch lighting – that meet high standards for energy efficiency and performance.

“DOE, NEMA, and NGLIA share a common interest in accelerating introduction into the market of high-quality, energy-efficient SSL products, and protecting the growing but fragile new market from low-quality products that can harm consumer first impressions of new technology,” said Kyle Pitsor, NEMA Vice President and NGLIA Administrator. “The DOE ENERGY STAR Program for SSL provides a reliable means of distinguishing quality products.”

In its announcement, DOE acknowledged the important role played by technical standards and the NGLIA in the program’s development. Members of NEMA’s Solid State Lighting Section have been instrumental in the development of new industry standards for SSL efficiency and performance that are central to the ENERGY STAR product requirements. NEMA also serves as the secretariat for the NGLIA, DOE’s designated industry partner in SSL commercialization activities, of which the ENERGY STAR program is a significant part.

The NGLIA is an alliance of lighting manufacturers, administered by NEMA, formed to accelerate SSL development and commercialization through government-industry partnership. The NGLIA has provided valuable support to the DOE SSL program, providing input to shape DOE SSL R&D priorities and market-based programs such as ENERGY STAR®.

For more information, contact

Craig Updyke

703-841-3294

craig.updyke@nema.org