Different residential bulb types. Source: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Technology comparison by consumption
To produce a similar amount of light, technologies draw very different amounts of electricity. The table below compares main options for roughly 800 lumens (equivalent to a 60 W incandescent):
| Technology | Power (W) | Lifespan (hours) | Contains mercury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incandescent (reference) | 60 W | 1,000 | No |
| Halogen | 42–43 W | 2,000–3,000 | No |
| Compact fluorescent (CFL) | 13–15 W | 8,000–10,000 | Yes |
| Standard LED | 8–10 W | 15,000–25,000 | No |
Method note
Values shown are representative ranges based on common market specifications. Individual products vary. For precise data on a certified product, consult the ENERGY STAR database.
Rate context in Quebec
Hydro-Québec is the main electricity distributor in Quebec. Rate D (domestic) has two tiers: a base rate for initial monthly kilowatt-hours and a higher rate above a monthly threshold. Rates are reviewed annually and published by the Régie de l'énergie.
Quebec electricity prices are among the lowest in North America, which affects the cost-benefit of switching to LEDs: bill savings in dollar terms are smaller than in higher-rate provinces. Lower consumption still matters environmentally on a largely hydroelectric grid.
Current rate information is available at hydroquebec.com.
Rate context in Ontario
In Ontario, local distribution companies deliver power under rates set by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB). Residential pricing may follow hourly market prices (HOEP) or time-of-use (TOU) periods.
Ontario rates are generally higher than in Quebec, which increases the savings from cutting consumption. The OEB publishes current rates at oeb.ca.
Provincial rebates and efficiency offers
Various rebate schemes have encouraged more efficient lighting. Details change over time; the following reflects publicly documented information.
Quebec
Hydro-Québec has offered purchase discounts on efficient bulbs through Éconologis and other residential efficiency measures. Current offers are updated on the utility’s energy savings section.
The Quebec government’s Rénoclimat scheme provides grants for residential energy upgrades. Lighting alone is rarely eligible unless part of a broader package of measures.
Ontario
Enbridge Gas and local Ontario distributors have historically offered LED discounts to meet efficiency obligations. These may include in-store coupons or mail-in rebates.
Efficiency Canada tracks provincial efficiency policies and publishes comparative reviews: efficiencycanada.org.
Disposing of used bulbs
Compact fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and must not go in regular household trash. Collection options exist in Quebec and Ontario.
Quebec — Éco-Entreprises
Éco-Entreprises Québec manages collection of electronics and certain bulb types. Drop-off points are available in many municipalities. Details at ecoentreprises.qc.ca.
Ontario — Product Care
In Ontario, Product Care handles collection of some lighting products as part of extended producer responsibility. Participating retailers often accept drop-offs.
LED bulbs
LED bulbs contain no mercury and may be handled with ordinary e-waste. Internal components (circuit boards, capacitors) still require proper end-of-life handling.
Lighting and winter peak demand
In Quebec and provinces with electric heating, winter peaks dominate consumption. Lighting adds to evening peak use when households need artificial light.
Cutting lighting load can ease peak demand. Some utilities offer demand-management incentives during peak periods.
In winter, heat from incandescent and halogen bulbs marginally warmed rooms. LEDs emit little heat, so electrically heated homes may use slightly more heating — which reduces but does not eliminate overall electricity savings from efficient lighting.