Under the present energy crisis, both industrial and domestic sectors of the market expect better lighting systems to optimize the use of energy. Hence, over conventional lamps, energy saving lamps are preferred now-a-days by industry. Apart from the energy efficiency, improved illumination, advanced lumen techniques and enhanced aesthetics are the features considered by the industry.

The consumer usage pattern for light sources witnessed a distinct shift from the conventional sources towards the new Energy Efficient lamps. As a result, the GLS production remained stagnant at around 450 million pieces in the organized sector and nearly 500 million pieces in the small-scale sector & unorganized sectors. However, conventional tube-lights production increased marginally to about 170 million numbers in the organized sector and 30 million in small scale/unorganized sectors. There was a conspicuous preference of the users for the T8 variety of 36W & 18W due to their sleekness and Energy Efficiency. The year can be certainly seen as the year which marked increased awareness and acceptance of the high lumen T5 range of fluorescent lamps due to proven Energy Efficiency and cost effectiveness.

CFLs as an energy saving light source are quite popular both in domestic / commercial interiors as well as in road lighting installations. The CFL market continues to grow at 35% and prices are becoming affordable.

One of the fastest growing segments in the lighting industry is that of high intensity discharge lamps, especially high efficiency high-pressure sodium vapour lamps and good colour rendering Metal Halide Lamps. HPMV & HPSV lamps grew by almost 50%, while in sharp contrast the new favourite energy efficient Metal Halide lamps recorded a growth of over 100% to meet both the growing domestic requirement as well as contributed significantly to the exports.

The demand for special incandescent lamps is also increasing.

The industry grew in terms of size from around Rs.3000 crores to Rs. 3300 crores, organized sector contributing nearly 2/3rd of the total turnover. Overall growth at a level of over 10% was also driven by appreciation of lighting as an important feature in the areas of upcoming multiplexes, Super malls, Highways and in general integration of the lighting as a part of the building design. The building designers and architects also lapped up the emerging concepts of Intelligent lighting paving way for adoption of new technologies and products such as dimmable ballasts, sensors / Intelligent controls and daylight Harvesters. LEDs also inched further in their commercial scale use for peripheral lighting of upscale buildings.

The accessories segment in India has witnessed the most impressive developments. Small-scale units have raised the technology banner in their ballast making operations, by inviting equity participation from world leaders. Similarly, improved technologies from various countries have entered to upgrade the other products. The opening up of the economy has encouraged introduction of modern machines and the upgradation of technology, resulting into high quality production of light components, various types of lamps etc. The future of the lighting envisages immense prospects of growth and developments.