Based on current research, the Lighting Research Center and its project partner OSI, are beginning to develop a low cost alternative to the use of a dimming electronic ballast for fluorescent lighting systems based on currently available electronic ballast technology. The approach of that research is to redesign a non-dimming electronic ballast to provide a dimming range of at least 20 to 30 percent with minimal additional cost in production.

This new "load-shed" ballast would be based on an innovative redesign of the current electronic ballast circuit commonly known as a "programmed-start" ballast. This load-shed ballast will meet a demand currently not filled by any available product. Full-range dimming electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps are not a cost-effective alternative from an energy savings standpoint. Their payback period is simply too long to be a viable investment for most building owners. By lowering the cost of dimming significantly, this load-shed ballast will achieve rapid and wide user acceptance. This ballast will allow a utility or building manager to shed electric load quickly by sending a signal to a building's lighting system.