Lights going out on old bulbs

The traditional light bulb is slowly dimming out of the scene as people opt for more economical lighting to take cover from the expected sharp rise in electricity bills.

Rather than the new eco-tax imposed on the old incandescent bulbs, it seems that the real boost for the changeover is coming from the new tariffs announced last month.

People in the business say demand for the greener and more economical lighting increased as soon as the controversial energy bills were announced. Since then, one importer pointed out, they started selling "like cheese cakes".

The budget, however, added a further incentive for going green with the introduction of an eco tax of €0.25 on the old incandescent bulbs and €0.50 on florescent tubes.

In fact, energy-saving fluorescent lamps use five times less energy than the old bulbs.

According to EU estimates, replacing the worst-performing lamps with today's best available technology may reduce domestic energy consumption for lighting by as much as 60 per cent - equivalent to saving 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide pollution every year.

Last month EU energy ministers agreed to phase out the traditional bulbs and ban them from the EU market from 2010 in a move aimed at combating climate change.

The budgetary measures, coupled with the new bills, will help in reaching that target but some have questioned why florescent tubes have been taxed, given that they are more efficient than the old bulbs.

When asked about this the Resources Ministry simply pointed out that there are more eco friendly alternatives.

In fact, some hardware store owners said they expect certain efficient tubes not to be taxed but they are still waiting for the legal notice, to see how the new tax regime will work in practice.

Contrary to misconceptions, they were keen to point out, energy efficient bulbs come in both white and warm light options and cater for all sorts of fittings, from antique chandeliers to more modern types.

When it comes to tubes, the situation is a bit more complex as the more modern and efficient tubes need the tube fitting to be changed or an attachment added to fittings.