Cheap energy bulbs encouraged by making conventional types illegal - 24/08/2009
Consumers could find they save money from energy suppliers' bills when conventional European Union light bulb imports are banned from September.
The move is designed to stimulate the proliferation of energy-saving light bulbs that are typically more expensive to buy but last much longer and so save money in the long-term and are more environmentally-friendly, reports the Telegraph.
As many people are still thought to prefer conventional bulbs, consumers are being asked to report shops that try to keep selling them after September 1st.
A spokesman for the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs told the paper: "The public could tip off trading standards if they know someone to be illegally importing 100W or frosted light bulbs, just as they would if they found dangerous toys or appliances."
Tory MEP Syed Kamall argued that unanswered health questions about energy-saving light bulbs meant more should be done to accommodate the wishes of people wanting to keep conventional bulbs.
Energy suppliers sent out millions of energy-saving light bulbs earlier this year to help homeowners pursue greater energy-efficiency.
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