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Phase-out of incandescent light bulbs

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Led lamp, efficiency class A
Tubular-type compact fluorescent lamp is one of the most popular types among European consumers.
A halogen incandescent light bulb

Governments have passed measures to phase out incandescent light bulbs. In some jurisdictions this has been done through legislation, while in others through voluntary measures. The aim is to encourage use of more energy efficient lighting alternatives, such as compact fluorescent lamp (CFLs) and LED lamps.

Regional developments

Americas

Argentina

In Argentina, selling and importing incandescent light bulbs will be forbidden starting 31 December 2010.[1]

Canada

In April 2007, Ontario's Minister of Energy Dwight Duncan announced the provincial government's intention to ban the sale of incandescent light bulbs by 2012.[2]

The provincial government of Nova Scotia stated in February 2007 that it would like to move towards phasing out incandescent light bulbs in the province.[3]

Federal Environment Minister John Baird announced in April 2007 a plan to phase out the sale of inefficient light bulbs by 2012. According to the minister Canada will save $3 to $4 billion Canadian dollars over the lifetime of the new bulbs.[4]

Cuba

Cuba exchanged all incandescent light bulbs for CFLs, and banned the sale and import of them in 2005.[5]

United States

Individual State efforts

California will phase out the use of incandescent bulbs by 2018 as part of bill by California State Assembly member Jared Huffman (D-Santa Rosa) that was signed by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on October 12, 2007. The bill aims to establish a minimum standard of twenty-five lumens per watt by 2013 and sixty lumens per watt by 2018.[6][7]

Legislation was proposed in Connecticut by state Representative Mary M. Mushinsky (D-Wallingford).[8][9] On February 8 2007, New Jersey Assemblyman Larry Chatzidakis introduced a bill that calls for the state to switch to fluorescent lighting in government buildings over the next three years. "The light bulb was invented a long time ago and a lot of things have changed since then," said Chatzidakis. "I obviously respect the memory of Thomas Edison, but what we're looking at here is using less energy.[10]

Federal legislation

Many of these state efforts became moot when the federal Clean Energy Act of 2007 was signed into law on December 19, 2007. This legislation effectively banned (by January 2014) incandescent bulbs that produce 310 - 2600 lumens of light.[11] Bulbs outside this range (roughly, light bulbs currently less than 40 Watts or more than 150 Watts) are exempt from the ban. Also exempt are several classes of speciality lights, including appliance lamps, "rough service" bulbs, 3-way, colored lamps, and plant lights.

In December 2007, The United States enacted the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, requiring all general-purpose light bulbs be 30% more energy efficient (similar to current halogen lamps) than current incandescent bulbs by 2012 to 2014. The phase-out will start with 100-watt bulbs in January 2012 and end with 40-watt bulbs in January 2014. By 2020, a second tier would become effective; which requires all general-purpose bulbs to be at least 70% more efficient (similar to current CFLs). Exempt from the Act are reflector "flood", 3-way, candelabra, colored, and other specialty bulbs.[12]

Venezuela

Venezuela phased out incandescent light bulbs in 2005.[5]

Asia

Philippines

In February 2008, president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo called for a ban of incandescent light bulbs by 2010 in favor of more energy-efficient fluorescent globes to help cut greenhouse gas emissions and household costs during her closing remarks at the Philippine Energy Summit. Once put in effect, the country will be the first in Asia to ban incandescent bulbs.[13]

Europe

Switzerland banned the sale of all light bulbs of the Energy Efficiency Class F and G, which affects a few types of incandescent light bulbs. Most normal light bulbs are of Energy Efficiency Class E, and the Swiss regulation has exceptions for various kinds of special-purpose and decorative bulbs.[14][15]

European Union

The Irish government was the first European Union (EU) member state to ban the sale of incandescent light bulbs.[16] It was later announced that the member states of the EU agreed to a phasing out of incandescent light bulbs by 2012.[17]

The initial Europe wide ban only applies to 'non-directional' light bulbs, so does not affect any bulbs with reflective surfaces (eg. spotlights or halogen down lighters). Bulbs will be banned in a phased approach. The first types of bulbs to be banned are non-clear (frosted) bulbs, these will be phased out completely by September 2009. Also from September 2009 clear bulbs over 100W must be made of more efficient types. This limit will be moved down to lower wattages, and the efficiency levels raised by the end of 2012.[18] Also, the EU has given the target of 2016 to phase out Halogen bulbs, and any bulb for avaliable for purchase after the 2016 date must of at least a 'B' energy rating.[1] The Finnish parliament has been discussing banning sales of incandescent light bulbs by the beginning of 2011.[19]

The UK government announced in 2007 that incandescent bulbs would be phased out by 2011.[20]

Oceania

Australia

In February 2007, Australia enacted a law that will ban most sales of incandescent light bulbs by 2010.[21] The Australian Federal Government announced minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for lighting products. The new minimum standard efficiency level is 15 lumens per watt (lm/W). In November 2008 the importation of non-compliant lighting (which includes some incandescent globes) into Australia was banned, and from November 2009 the retail sale of non-compliant lighting is banned.[22] According to the current proposal [23] all regular light bulbs and some other kinds of light bulbs sold from October 2009 will have to meet the new minimum energy performance standards. Incandescent light bulbs that meet the new standards, for example high efficiency halogen bulbs, will continue to be available. [24]

It is estimated that greenhouse gas emissions will be cut by 800,000 tonnes (Australia's current emission total is 564.7 million tonnes), a saving of approximately 0.14%[25]

There have been some initiatives to encourage people to switch to compact fluorescent lamps ahead of the phase out.[26]

New Zealand

In February 2007, then Climate Change Minister David Parker announced a similar proposal to the one in Australia[27], except that importation for personal use would have been allowed.[28] However the proposed phase out was scrapped by the new government in December 2008.[29]

Controversy

Public opposition

There is evidence of panic buying of incandescent bulbs ahead of the EU lightbulb ban. Many retailers in Britain, Poland, Austria, Germany and Hungary have reported bulk purchasing[30][31][32][33][34], and in Germany, sales rose by up to 150% in 2009 in comparison to 2008.[35] Two-thirds of Austrians surveyed stated they believe the phase-out to be "nonsensical", with 53.6% believing their health to be at risk of mercury poisoning.[36] 72% of Americans believe the government has no right to dictate which light bulb they may use.[37] The Czech Republic President, Vaclav Klaus, urged people to stockpile enough incandescent bulbs to last their lifetime.[38]

The phase out has been referred to as "Light bulb socialism".[35] The overwhelming consumer preference for light bulbs in the EU is for incandescent bulbs, with many complaining of their ugliness[30][39] and the cold, flat, unnatural, dull light emanating from CFLs.[31][35][40][41][42][43].

Museums and individuals have been stockpiling incandescent lightbulbs across Europe, owing to CFL's inferior colour representation.[41][44] The European Consumers' Organization, BEUC, said that phasing out incandescent bulbs will be detrimental for people suffering light-related health issues,[45] and called for the continued availability of incandescent bulbs:

"The EU Regulation falls short of the needs of some consumers who need to use the old-style light bulbs for health-related reasons such as light sensitivity. We call on the European Commission to take immediate measures to ensure that people who rely on incandescent light bulbs will be able to buy these bulbs until suitable alternative lighting technologies are available. There are also concerns about the risks to health from the high mercury content of the new bulbs."[46]

The British Association of Dermatologists called for access to incandescent light bulbs for those who are medically sensitive to CFLs and other non-incandescent bulbs.[47] The charity Migraine Action states that its members still suffer adverse effects from CFLs despite protestations from the light bulb industry.[48]

Environmental concerns

Main article: Compact fluorescent lamp § Health issues

CFLs, like all fluorescent lamps, contain small amounts of mercury[49][50] as vapor inside the glass tubing, averaging 4.0 mg per bulb [51]. A broken compact fluorescent lamp will release its mercury content. Safe cleanup of broken compact fluorescent lamps differs from cleanup of conventional broken glass or incandescent bulbs.[52] The short term nature of the potential exposure (particularly after effective clean-up of broken CFL material) does not constitute an immediate significant health risk to exposed adults (including pregnant women) or children.[53]

Cost and dimmers

The cost of CFLs is higher than incandescent light bulbs. Typically this extra cost may be repaid in the long-term as CFLs use less energy[54] and have longer operating lives than incandescent bulbs.[55] However there are some areas where the extra cost of a CFL may never be repaid, typically where bulbs are used relatively infrequently such as in little-used closets and attics.[56] Use in situations such as stairways where the lamp is turned on for less than five minutes at a time will cause a significantly shorter lifespan for a CFL.

Some CFLs are not compatible with all existing dimming circuits. However, more dimmable CFLs are expected to become available as the phase-outs progress. Mains voltage halogen bulbs provide a more efficient dimmable alternative to common incandescent bulbs and are readily available.[57] Also LED lamps are suitable for use with any of the existing dimming circuits.

See also

References

  1. ^ Clarín.com: Adiós a las lamparitas: las claves antes de cambiarlas
  2. ^ "Old bulbs off shelves by 2012", The Globe and Mail, April 18, 2007
  3. ^ "Nova Scotia ponders light-bulb switch," CBC News, February 28, 2007
  4. ^ Tenille Bonoguore, "Critics blast environment plan as out of sync with science," The Globe and Mail, April 28, 2007
  5. ^ a b Derbyshire, David (07 January 2009). "Revolt! Robbed of their right to buy traditional light bulbs, millions are clearing shelves of last supplies". The Daily Mail. Retrieved 2009-01-08. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ "AB 1109 (Huffman) Lighting Efficiency & Toxics Reduction Act" (HTML). Retrieved 2007-07-19.
  7. ^ AB 1109 Assembly Bill - INTRODUCED
  8. ^ "A Light Bulb Went Off Over Their Heads," Connecticut Business News Journal, February 5, 2007.
  9. ^ H.B. 6550, Connecticut General Assembly
  10. ^ "Edison's light bulb could be endangered". Associated Press, February 9, 2007.
  11. ^ THOMAS Record of Clean Energy Act
  12. ^ http://energystar.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/energystar.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=4913
  13. ^ "Philippines to Ban Incandescent Bulbs," "The Associated Press," February 8, 2008.
  14. ^ Tagesanzeiger.ch «Grosses Lichterlöschen für die Glühbirnen» (German)
  15. ^ "Vorerst noch kein generelles Glühlampenverbot in der Schweiz – Energieeffiziente Lampen machen Umstieg schon heute möglich". 5 March 2009.(German)
  16. ^ "Light Bulbs FAQs". Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Retrieved 2009-04-01.
  17. ^ "Member States approve the phasing-out of incandescent bulbs by 2012". EUROPA. European Union. 08 December 2008. Retrieved 2009-01-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ "Phasing out incandescent bulbs in the EU - Technical briefing" (PDF). 08 December 2008. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ^ "Ban on incandescent lamps discussed by Finnish Parliament". Helsingin Sanomat - International Edition. 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-12-31.
  20. ^ "Switch off for traditional bulbs". BBC. 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2009-01-17.
  21. ^ "Australia Bans Traditional Light Bulbs to Combat Global Warming". green wombat blog. 2007-02-20. Retrieved 2007-12-31.
  22. ^ Australian Government: Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts Phase-out of inefficient incandescent light bulbs (June 2008)
  23. ^ Report Technical Incandescent Lamps + CFLs
  24. ^ http://www.energyrating.gov.au/pubs/2008-ris-phaseout.pdf
  25. ^ Light bulbs ban to slash emissions - Environment - Specials - smh.com.au
  26. ^ Kingston Your City, November 2007
  27. ^ Greg Ansley, "Standard light bulbs to be switched off," The New Zealand Herald,, February 21, 2007.
  28. ^ "New Zealand phases out old light bulbs to save energy, greenhouse gas output". AP. iht.com. 17 June 2008. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
  29. ^ Watkins, Tracy (17 December 2008). "National ditches light bulb phase-out". stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 2009-01-08.
  30. ^ a b "Bulb bows out to mixed applause". BBC. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  31. ^ a b "Old-style bulbs 'being hoarded'". BBC. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  32. ^ "EU ban on traditional lightbulbs prompts panic buying". Telegraph. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  33. ^ "Germans fail to see the light on bulbs". Financial Times. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  34. ^ "Poles incandescent at 100 watt bulb ban". thenews.pl. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  35. ^ a b c "Germans Hoarding Traditional Light Bulbs". Spiegel. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  36. ^ "Austrians oppose EU light bulb law". Wiener Zeitung. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  37. ^ "72% Don't Want Feds Changing Their Light Bulbs". Rasmussen. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  38. ^ "Klaus calls on Czechs to be stocked with old light bulbs - press". česká noviny. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  39. ^ "Ten days left to buy traditional lightbulbs: EU ban means only low-energy ones will be on sale". The Daily Mail. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  40. ^ "European Union ban on lightbulbs leads to a dim future". Telegraph. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  41. ^ a b "Dim thinking behind the new lightbulb laws". The Times. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  42. ^ "Making it illegal to sell 100-watt light bulbs is simply dimwitted". Daily Mail. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  43. ^ "Lightbulb ban puts fairground rides at risk". The Telegraph. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  44. ^ "Artists see EU light bulb ban as an aesthetic calamity". Deutsche Welle. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  45. ^ "Concerns Remain as Europe Changes Bulbs". NYTimes. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  46. ^ "Energy-saving light bulbs: good for consumers but outstanding issues need to be addressed" (PDF). BEUC. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  47. ^ "Government puts green image before health of nation with bulb change, claim campaigners". Wales Online. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  48. ^ "Low energy light bulbs". Migraine Action. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  49. ^ "Mercury Content Information Available for Lamps on the 2003 New Jersey Contract T-0192". Retrieved 2007-05-15.
  50. ^ "Canada-Wide Standard for Mercury-Containing Lamps" (PDF). 2001. Retrieved 2007-03-23.
  51. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions Information on Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) and Mercury June 2008" (PDF). 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-31.
  52. ^ Floyd, et al. (2002), quoted on page 184 of Toolkit for identification and quantification of mercury releases (PDF)
  53. ^ Safe clean-up and disposal guidelines
  54. ^ FAQs: Compact Fluorescent: GE Commercial Lighting Products
  55. ^ National Energy Foundation - redirection page
  56. ^ Light-Bulb Revolt: Incandescent Fans Rise Up
  57. ^ Do compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) work with dimmer switches?
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