Labour urges incentives for LED bulbs

Labour's environment spokesman Leo Brincat has urged fiscal incentives to be given for the use of light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, which are even more efficient than conventional energy-saving bulbs.

His call came after a visit to a local manufacturer of LEDs, Smart Light Systems in Birkirkara.

The fact that these bulbs use only about a Watt and compete well with 70 to 80 Watt traditional bulbs speaks for itself in terms of energy saving, Mr Brincat said in a statement. He also pointed out that such bulbs do not contain toxic mercury and last longer than traditional energy-saving bulbs.

Labour believes firmly in alternative energy but energy conservation is still an essential tool to reduce carbon emissions, he said.

"Whoever imports these sort of bulbs is not simply an importer but is helping the local green economy to grow," he said.