Which lighting option typically consumes the most energy?

The choice of one, 40-watt T-12 fluorescent lamp as the option that typically consumes the most energy is justified because of its wattage rating. Each type of lighting option is evaluated based on how much energy it uses, which is directly related to its wattage. The T-12 fluorescent lamp uses 40 watts of power, making it more energy-consuming compared to the other choices listed.

To compare:

• The two, 25-watt LED bulbs together would consume 50 watts total, slightly more than the T-12 lamp alone, but it's common to categorize LED bulbs as more efficient due to their longer lifespan and lower effective energy cost over time.

• The one, 60-watt incandescent bulb consumes more energy than the T-12 fluorescent lamp in terms of wattage, but because it's not selected as the most energy-consuming option, it indicates that the question focuses on the specific type rather than just the wattage.

• The three, 15-watt compact fluorescent bulbs combined would consume only 45 watts total, making them less energy-intensive than the T-12, further supporting that the T-12 option is indeed a higher energy consumer.

Therefore, the T-12 fluorescent lamp is correctly identified as using