Dundee LibDems welcome news that bulb campaign near to success

2.44.57pm GMT Sun 5th Nov 2006

News that traditional light bulbs could taken off the shelves of UK shops by 2009 and replaced with energy-saving alternatives has been today (Sunday 5th November) welcomed by Dundee Liberal Democrats.

Cllr Helen Dick, Dundee City Council's LibDem Vice Convener of Environmental Services and Sustainability said, "Modern bulbs last longer and cost less overall. Energy-saving lighting products have an average lifespan of up to 12 times longer than traditional products with modern bulbs saving up to £9 a year on electricity bills."

Work is under way in Europe to investigate the scope for setting minimum standards for 14 energy-using products including commercial lighting. The European Commission will then bring forward proposals for a minimum standard that would prevent the sale of the least energy-efficient products within the EU.

In the UK, it looks increasingly possible that retailers and manufacturers could remove inefficient lighting products from shop shelves in advance of European regulations.

Helen concluded, "Such a move could only be good news on the road to a more energy efficient and sustainable future."

Related Link:

Light bulbs: Not such a bright idea - BBC.