NEEA launched its first residential lighting market initiative in 1997 to advance awareness and use of energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and compact fluorescent light fixtures among Northwest residential customers. The project was designed to address CFL market barriers including high first cost; lack of product availability; lack of consumer awareness; incompatibility of CFLs with existing fixtures, dimmers, timers and photocells; performance problems; poor aesthetics of energy-efficient lighting products; and consumer dislike of fluorescent technologies. The project provided financial incentives to manufacturers as well as retailer education, branding, marketing and mass advertising.
