Lighting Changes In The 2026 Oregon Residential Energy Code

In February 2026, the Oregon Building Codes Division’s Residential and Manufactured Structures Board (RMSB) approved updates for the 2026 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC). While the headline changes focus on high-efficiency heat pumps, several lighting efficiency and control updates are included in the new standards to align with current LED technology and regional climate goals.

These updates are part of a broader package intended to save residents an average of $125 per month on energy bills. The new code is expected to have a mandatory effective date of October 1, 2026. Here are the three primary changes for residential lighting:

Here is the code language:

HIGH-EFFICIENCY LIGHT SOURCE. Compact fluorescent lamps, T-8 or smaller diameter linear fluorescent lamps, LED lamps, fixture-integrated illumination devices, or lamps with an efficacy not less than 65 lumens per watt for each lamp or luminaires with an efficacy not less than 45 lumens per watt for each luminaire.

SECTION N1107—LIGHTING AND POWER

N1107.1 General. The provisions of this section apply to power and lighting equipment, related controls and electric circuits serving all conditioned and unconditioned interior floor space and exterior building facades of all dwelling units and guest rooms within residential buildings and structures, or portions thereof.

N1107.2 High-efficiency interior lighting. All permanently installed lighting fixtures shall be high-efficiency light sources. The building official shall be notified in writing at the final inspection that the permanently installed lighting fixtures have met this requirement.

N1107.3 High-efficiency exterior lighting. All exterior lighting fixtures affixed to the exterior of the building shall be high-efficiency light sources.

N1107.4 Occupancy sensors. Occupancy sensor shall be installed per N1107.4.1 and N1107.4.2

N1107.4.1 Habitable spaces. All permanently installed luminaires in habitable spaces shall be controlled with a manual dimmer or with an automatic shutoff control that automatically turns off lights within 20 minutes after all occupants have left the space and shall incorporate a manual control to allow occupants to turn the lights on or off.

N1107.4.2 Specific locations. All permanently installed luminaires in garages, unfinished basements, laundry rooms and utility rooms shall be controlled with a manual dimmer or by an automatic shutoff control that automatically turns off lights within 20 minutes after all occupants have left the space and shall incorporate a manual control to allow occupants to turn the lights on or off.

Source

David Shiller

David Shiller is the Publisher of LightNOW, and President of Lighting Solution Development, a North American consulting firm providing business development services to advanced lighting manufacturers. The ALA awarded David the Pillar of the Industry Award. David has co-chaired ALA’s Engineering Committee since 2010. David established MaxLite’s OEM component sales into a multi-million dollar division. He invented GU24 lamps while leading ENERGY STAR lighting programs for the US EPA. David has been published in leading lighting publications, including LD+A, enLIGHTenment Magazine, LEDs Magazine, and more.

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