First-quarter lighting data appears dim

subscribe

“Troubling” is how the National Lighting Bureau (NLB) describes first-quarter-2008 NEMA Lighting Systems Index data.

The Index, established in 1998, is a composite measure of lamps, luminaires, ballasts, emergency lighting, exit signs, and other lighting products shipped nationally and internationally from the United States by the 430 companies that comprise the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).

NEMA members manufacture a wide range of products used in the generation, transmission, distribution, and control of electricity, as well as innumerable end-use products in addition to those used in lighting.

The value of NEMA membersÂ’ annual shipments totals $100 billion.

According to NLB Communications Director John P. Bachner, “The latest Index results exceeded fourth-quarter-2007 results by 1.1%, due principally to increased emergency lighting equipment and miniature lamp shipments. Overall, however, the U.S. lighting market remained depressed for the second quarter in a row. The index was down more than five percent from its year-ago level.”

The near-term future does not seem to promise a rebound, Bachner commented. Particularly troubling is the slowdown in nonresidential construction, which, for the past year, has buoyed overall construction activity despite severe erosion in the residential sector.

According to NEMA Economic Analysis Director Brian Lego, “Data from the first quarter of 2008 show overall spending on commercial, industrial and other related nonresidential buildings sank by its largest annualized rate in nearly three years.”

Even more trouble could lie ahead, Lego said. He noted that the American Institute of Architects’ billings index, a forward-looking indicator, slid to an all-time low, “with readings for firms specializing in commercial and industrial work especially weak.

Overall, tighter lending standards, slower profit growth, rising energy costs, and a multitude of other financial and economic concerns pose significant headwinds to nonresidential construction activity.”

As for residential construction, the general consensus seems to be that conditions are unlikely to stabilize before late 2008. And even then, Lego commented, “any improvements will be slow and modest at best… as high inventory levels keep a lid on prices and construction activity.”

Related News

pickering NGS

Ontario Supports Plan to Safely Continue Operating the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station

TORONTO - The Ontario government is supporting Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) continued safe operation of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. At the Ontario government’s request, OPG reviewed their operational plans and concluded that the facility could continue to safely generate electricity.

“Keeping Pickering safely operating will provide clean, low-cost, and reliable electricity to support the incredible economic growth and new jobs we’re seeing, while building a healthier Ontario for everyone,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “Nuclear power has been the safe and reliable backbone of Ontario’s electricity system since the 1970s and our government is working to secure that legacy…

READ MORE
U.S. Ends Support for Ukraine’s Energy Grid Restoration

U.S. Ends Support for Ukraine’s Energy Grid Restoration

READ MORE

should-california-fund-biofuels-or-electric-vehicles

Should California Fund Biofuels or Electric Vehicles?

READ MORE

renewable power fuel cell

New fuel cell could help fix the renewable energy storage problem

READ MORE

motor testing training

Electric Motor Testing Training

READ MORE