Phasing out of incandescent lightbulbs

 

EU Regulation on non-directional household lamps (lightbulbs)

Under EU Regulation (EC) No 244/2009 with regard to ecodesign requirements for non-directional household lamps (lightbulbs), inefficient incandescent lightbulbs will be phased out throughout Europe with effect from the 1st September 2009 and will be replaced by more energy efficient alternatives such as halogen lamps and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). This Regulation was agreed by Member States in December 2008.

Aim of the Regulation

The aim of the Regulation is to remove the most energy inefficient lightbulbs from the market in favour of more energy efficient alternatives. This will save energy and will save consumers money in reduced electricity bills.

Lighting may represent up to a fifth of a household’s electricity consumption. Sustainable Energy Ireland’s (SEI) power of one campaign has identified the use of energy efficiency lightbulbs over traditional lightbulbs as one of their top ten energy saving tips in the home.

 
  

What can you save by switching to energy efficient bulbs?

Replacing 3 x 100W incandescent lightbulbs with CFLs using 3 hours of electricity per day can save an average household up to €43 per annum.

To calculate your own savings please visit the ESB’s energy efficient lighting webpages which includes an online lighting guide and calculator.

Most energy efficient lightbulbs, such as CFLs and halogen lightbulbs, are available in various configurations and although they cost more to purchase, they are far more energy efficient thus reducing electricity costs. For example, a CFL lightbulb uses 80% less electricity than an equivalent incandescent lightbulb and typically lasts eight to twelve times longer. A new halogen lightbulb uses 30% less electricity and lasts twice as long as an ordinary incandescent lightbulb.

Advances in technology mean that energy efficient lightbulbs are now available in a wide variety of fittings, shapes and sizes

 

Guidance on Energy Efficient Lighting

The ESB’s Guide to Energy Efficient Lighting provides useful information to allow consumers to make informed choices when purchasing energy efficient lighting.

Further tips and advice on energy efficient lighting may be found on here at www.sei.ie/powerofone and change.ie

Frequently Asked Questions

In order to assist consumers, the European Commission has issued Frequently asked questions about the regulation on ecodesign requirements for non-directional household lamps  which covers a range of issues associated with the Regulation.

Figures and graphics are available in the PDF and WORD versions of this document available within this link.

More information on the lamp types covered can be found in the Phasing out incandescent bulbs in the EU Technical Briefing document from the EU Commission’s website.

  
 

Find out more about energy savings

Further energy saving information, including lighting, can be found on the following websites: - ESB or Change.ie

For queries on the EU Regulation on Non-Directional Household Lamps please contact:

Colette Reilly
Environment Unit
Rm. 517, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Kildare St.
Dublin 2

Phone: 016312229
Fax: 016313815
E-mail: colette_reilly@entemp.ie

 
Other Information