The goal of the Commission's PIER Lighting Research Program (LRP) is to conduct a systematic lighting research program that creates new lighting technology and products that can: save energy, reduce peak demand, and reduce pollution for the citizens of California.

Over 23 percent of the electricity used in California is for lighting. In commercial space, five percent of the electricity used for air conditioning eliminates heat generated by lighting. Improving lighting efficiency has both direct and indirect benefits. Studies have shown that the potential exists to reduce typical lighting energy use and peak demand by up to 50 percent by the year 2020, while improving the quality of lighting to the end user. The results of the research from this Program are needed to reach these goals.

The LRP encompasses five technical elements that include 15 lighting research and three market connection projects. The program spans both residential and commercial sectors, as well as outdoor lighting associated with buildings.

Project information is updated as available and listed under the following Elements. To view information about specific projects, click either on the Element icons located in the left navigation bar or the below links.

Element 2: Advanced Lighting Technologies - LEDs for exterior, task, and low profile applications.

Element 3: Demand Responsive Lighting - fluorescent dimming, load shedding technology, and photocells for classrooms.

Element 4: Advanced Lighting Luminaires and Systems - hotel bathroom lighting controls/fixtures, ENERGY STAR residential fixtures, retrofit E-E downlight systems, portable office lighting, and integrated classroom lighting.

Element 5: Lighting Performance Metrics, Codes & Standards - bilevel stairwell lighting, HID electronic ballasts, outdoor parking lot lighting, and DALI.

Element 6: Market Connection - crosscutting market connection activities, design tools, and codes & standards work.

Current News

• Load shedding technology (Project 3.2) for ballasts is under development...
• Under Project 3.3, a new photosensor is under development. Simulations and performance specifications have been developed.
• The Hotel Bathroom Lighting Project (Project 4.1) has completed installation of controller in approximately 400 rooms at the Sacramento Doubletree Hotel. View Reports.
• The ENERGY STAR Residential Fixture Advancement Project (Project 4.2) works with selected lighting fixture manufacturers to develop higher-end portable indoor residential light fixtures. Read more...
• Nineteen California classrooms have been installed with the Integrated Classroom Lighting. Current information is available in the Project 4.5 Reports section.
• View PIER LRP Project Summaries
• Review various LRP Reports.

The LRP integrates the research activities with California lighting product manufacturers, and has leveraged cofunding from these manufacturers. The manufacturers provide a great asset for the introduction of these products to the market, and further benefits will be realized because the research results will be publicly available.