NEMA’s compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) index reversed a negative trend that dated back to the first quarter 2009, registering a 3 percent year-over-year increase. Conversely, the incandescent lamps index fell to its second lowest level on record showing a year-over-year decline of 2.2 percent during the first quarter of 2010, which maintains a three and a half year streak of deterioration for this market segment.

The dichotomous growth patterns between residential incandescent lamps and medium screw-base CFLs resulted in CFLs regaining market share, increasing to 24.2 percent from 22.0 percent in 2009Q4. Consumers appear to be more willing to absorb the higher up-front costs of CFLs versus incandescent lamps, due in part to the U.S. economy remaining on a path of recovery.