Old light bulbs out by 2015

By TOM MCGHIE
Updated:

 

Inefficient old-style light bulbs will be switched off permanently within eight years, according to plans drawn up by manufacturers, which aim to replace them with energy efficient alternatives to cut carbon emissions.

Bulb makers hope that the 2015 date, five years ahead of forecasters' expectations, will be accepted by the European Commission.

The most commonly used 60-watt and 100-watt bayonet bulbs will be the first to go and are likely to disappear from shops by 2009. By 2015 all bulbs will meet the higher energy standards and will be guaranteed to last a minimum of 1,000 hours, compared with 600 to 800 hours at present.

Europeans buy about 2.1bn traditional light bulbs every year. They cost as little as 60p each compared with £2.40 for 'green' bulbs. But energy efficient bulbs can last up to eight times longer.

Leading bulb makers, including GE, Osram and Philips, are confident that their proposals will be accepted by the EC, which wants to cut the emission of greenhouse gases related to electricity used in lighting by 60%.

Chancellor Gordon Brown has been calling on European authorities to take more action to replace old-style bulbs. The Treasury has held back on increasing the tax on them in the hope of a European solution.

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