THE GOVERNMENT will today formally launch the process that will lead to the phasing out of traditional light bulbs from March 2009.
Minister for the Environment John Gormley will launch a consultation paper on his proposed energy efficiency and performance standard for light bulbs.
The paper proposes the replacement of incandescent tungsten filament bulbs – including halogen – of 75 watts and over from March of next year, to be replaced by energy-efficient light bulbs.
Mr Gormley is expected to contend that this move in itself will eliminate almost half of the most energy inefficient light bulbs.
According to the proposals, all traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs will be phased out over a period of three years ending in March 2012.
However, the proposals make no specific recommendations for incandescent spot and reflector bulbs, including dimmable bulbs.
In respect of these classes of light bulb – where the technology is not at a similar stage of development – the proposals state: “From a national policy perspective, the next step will be a review of the standard in 2010 with a view to extending its scope to incandescent spot and reflector bulbs.”
The department is also expected to say that no introduction of minimum energy efficiency standards will be introduced if there are no alternatives currently available.
For example, the department concedes that “there is an issue in relation to dimming in the case of some CFL bulbs”. The consultation period will last for one month and once it is concluded, the department will seek EU Commission approval for its draft legislation, which it hopes to introduce in the Oireachtas by the New Year.
Mr Gormley is expected to argue today that the timely introduction of the bulbs will have a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions, as well as offering significant benefits to consumers.
While the costs of CFL bulbs are higher, the department has said that these costs can be recouped within six months.
The light-bulb initiative was announced by Mr Gormley at the time of the first carbon budget last year.
It led to a protracted row between the Minister and the Opposition, primarily Labour’s environment spokeswoman Joanna Tuffy, over how quickly the changeover could be introduced and over alleged non-compliance with EU competition rules.
If the legislation is enacted in the New Year, the Government contends that 80 per cent of traditional light bulbs will have become obsolete by March 2010.