When the glittering Times Square New Year's Eve Ball descends to mark the beginning of 2012, it will also usher in one of the most important eras in lighting since Thomas Edison unveiled his incandescent electric light.

On January 1, 2012 , new U.S. energy and lighting standards under the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) go into effect, and Philips Lighting – whose light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) light the Times Square Ball – is ready. Consumers may purchase a wide range of Philips LED bulbs for home use, online and at thousands of retail outlets.

New Year's 2012 marks the 12th consecutive year that Philips Lighting has served as the official Lighting Partner to the world-famous Times Square New Year's Eve Ball. The same technology used in the Ball is also used in the Philips AmbientLED line of consumer light bulbs, which includes such innovations as the Philips 12.5-watt AmbientLED A19, the world's first commercially available LED to replace the 60-watt incandescent bulb and the only to be Energy Star qualified.

"We are proud that our award-winning Philips LEDs will again light the spectacular Times Square Ball," said Ed Crawford , CEO of Lamps, Lighting Systems and Controls for Philips Lighting. "But we are equally proud that our line of Philips AmbientLED bulbs continues to expand, enabling consumers to use energy-efficient, cost-friendly, long-lasting and aesthetically-pleasing lighting throughout their homes."

Like the 32,256 Philips LUXEON LEDs that light the glittering Times Square Ball, the commercially-available Philips AmbientLEDs bulbs consume up to 80 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. That's why the Times Square Ball stays lit year round, and why consumers can reap significant electricity savings by making the switch to Philips LEDs. For example, if everyone in the U.S. transitioned to energy-efficient lighting in their homes, consumers would eliminate 87.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and generate energy savings of $15.8 billion .

With recent price reductions and the availability in many markets of instant utility company rebates, the price of Philips AmbientLEDs is lower than ever – further adding to its already significant economic impact.