Another Brussels lightbulb moment

A ban on traditional lightbulbs imposed by Brussels last year and adopted by the UK for implementation in 2010 is to be extended to cover spotlights and downlighters, an

Initially, it was just ordinary filament bulbs that were to be banned from use in homes throughout the EU, to be replaced by low-energy alternatives. As of a week ago, traditional 100 watt incandescent bulbs can no longer be imported or sold, with 60 watt, 40 watt and 25 watt bulbs to soon follow suit. The European Commission is now in the process of drawing up plans to also ban the types of bulbs used in spotlights and downlighters. The main reason for the legislation is that low-energy bulbs use significantly less electricity, and will therefore help the EU achieve its target of a 20% reduction in carbon emissions. Advocates of the ban say that the reduction in domestic energy consumption is likely to be in the region of 60%, therefore reducing CO2 emissions by 30 million tonnes each year.

However, many believe that the externalities imposed on consumers may outweigh the benefits. These external costs are said to include:

- increased health complaints, as many people suffer from migraines and worsening skin conditions when exposed to low-energy bulbs;
- an increased cost of disposal as low-energy bulbs constitute hazardous waste due to the presence of mercury, which is toxic;
- rising financial costs, as some low-energy bulbs cost up to 20 times more than traditional ones yet last only 5 times longer;
- necessary replacement of light-fittings in older houses, as the fittings are too small to take the low-energy bulbs.

Some wily consumers, however, are finding novel ways of bypassing the problem. Currently, the ban only applies to bulbs used domestically. Retailers and wholesalers have seen a dramatic rise in sales of ‘industrial-quality’ or ‘rough-service’ traditional bulbs, which are virtually identical to traditional domestic bulbs apart from being constructed from slightly thicker glass. Some shopkeepers havealso reported consumers buying the old incandescent bulbs in bulk; one man apparently bought enough traditional bulbs to last around 15 years! The fact remains, however, that there are significant costs of complying with the new legislation. Whether the benefits can outweigh the costs in the long-run remains to be seen.