New data from Statistics Canada reveals a decline in the adoption of energy-efficient light bulbs in recent years. The statistics tracking household lighting usage from 2017 to 2023 indicate that Thunder Bay has consistently met or surpassed the national average for energy-saving lighting, despite an overall downward trend.
In 2017, 93% of Thunder Bay households reported using at least one form of energy-saving light. By 2023, this percentage had dropped to 85%. Similarly, the national figures decreased from 90% to 84% during the same period.
The most significant decrease was observed in the use of compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), which have progressively fallen out of favor. In Thunder Bay, CFL utilization declined from 67% in 2017 to 44% in 2023, while nationally, it dropped from 55% to 30%.
On the other hand, LED light usage, excluding holiday lights, remained consistently high. In Thunder Bay, LED usage remained stable around 51% between 2021 and 2023, with a range in the mid-50% area. Nationally, LED usage fluctuated between 50% and 53% before slightly decreasing to 48% in 2023.
Graham Saunders, president of Environment North, noted that the local trend reflects broader patterns across Ontario, with a general decline in fluorescence usage. Saunders suggested that the decrease in energy-saving light adoption may stem from market saturation rather than outright rejection, with concerns about recycling and mercury disposal potentially influencing consumer behavior.
Ali Zad, a registered energy advisor with Green Superior, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about energy-efficient lighting to drive adoption. Zad highlighted that education on the energy-saving benefits of LED bulbs could significantly reduce energy consumption.
Both Paul Berger, an associate professor at Lakehead University focusing on climate change education, and Zad agreed that price is no longer a major obstacle to adopting energy-efficient lighting. They suggested that shifting priorities towards broader energy-saving methods like solar panels and batteries might be diverting attention from individual light bulb choices.
Ontario Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce indicated in an email to CBC News that the province is expanding energy-saving initiatives to address rising electricity demand and help households save money. While energy-efficient lighting alone may not dictate climate outcomes, experts like Berger emphasized the symbolic importance of small actions like using energy-saving lights in raising awareness and promoting environmental consciousness.
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