Bulbs proposal endorsed

EU member states this week endorsed the European Commission's proposal to progressively phase out incandescent bulbs through the next four years.

The regulation targets lamps typically used in households, in particular incandescent, halogen and compact fluorescent lamps, by setting minimum energy efficiency and functionality requirements. However, consumers can still choose between long-life compact fluorescent lamps that yield the highest energy savings and efficient halogen lamps that are fully equivalent to incandescent bulbs in terms of light quality and providing between 25 per cent and 50 per cent energy savings.

Once ratified by the European Parliament, the regulation is scheduled to be formally adopted by the Commission in March.