SWITCHED OFF

In Europe, it’s lights out for bulbs

Brussels: Old-style 100-watt light bulbs will be banned in Europe’s shops from next week in favour of new energy-saving models, but consumer groups on Wednesday gave the move a guarded welcome.

From September 1, 100-watt versions of the old incandescent bulbs will be banned from Europe’s shops and other bulbs with lower wattage will follow in the ensuing years, under a system agreed by EU experts last December.

New technology light bulbs, such as compact florescent lights (CFL) can save up to 80% of the energy used by the worst old-style lights in homes. The move will also cut carbon dioxide emissions as part of the European Union’s wider climate change package.

At the moment, around 85% of household lights are considered to use too much electricity. The European Consumers’ Association BEUC welcomed the phasing out of incandescent light bulbs, saying “consumers benefit financially from the measure, but most importantly, they will be able to contribute to improved energy efficiency”. However the group added, in a statement, that removing the old-style light bulbs from the market also holds drawbacks for some consumers.

There are concerns “about the risks to health from the high mercury content of the new bulbs”, the group warned. The consumer group called on the European Commission to ensure that people who rely on incandescent light bulbs “will be able to buy these bulbs until suitable alternative lighting technologies are available”. AFP