The European Commission has officially adopted two new regulations that will improve the energy efficiency of household light bulbs and office, street and industrial lighting.

The Eco-design regulations will see the phasing out of incandescent light bulbs over the next three years. The regulation sets energy efficiency, functionality and product information requirements for halogen and compact fluorescent lamps, as well as fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge lamps and related ballasts and luminaires used in office, street and industrial lighting.

The move to long-life compact fluorescent light bulbs (which use up to 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs) or efficient incandescent halogens (which use between 25% and 50% less energy) could save the average household €25-50 on its electricity bill.

And overall the switch could save the region up to 80 TWh by 2020 – equivalent to the entire electricity consumption of Belgium – and as much as €11 billion.

“These groundbreaking measures… address the efficiency of lighting products both in the domestic and tertiary sectors by 2009,” commented Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs.

“They deliver a clear message about the EU's commitment to reach its energy efficiency and climate protection targets,” he added.

For further information:
http://www.ec.europa.eu/energy/efficiency/ecodesign/eco_design_en.htm