New lightbulb rules save households energy and help reduce #GreenhouseGasEmissions

As of 1 September energy intensive and inefficient halogen lightbulbs are no longer sold across the European Union.  As a result of these rules, European consumers will be able save on their household bills resulting on significant EU-wide energy savings – equivalent to the electricity consumption of Portugal over five years.

The changes to the EU rules entering into force tomorrow relate to standard halogen bulbs, but exclude those used in desk lamps and floodlights. The halogen bulbs will be replaced by LED-lightbulbs, which due to innovation have become safer, more affordable, and more energy efficient.

The new measures will not apply to products that are already on the shelves in stores, but only to new products produced in or imported to the EU. Originally decided in 2009 by the member states and the European Parliament, the new rules were reconfirmed in 2015, but their introduction was deferred by two years until September 2018 so as to ensure that sufficient affordable alternatives would be available.

The changes are part of the EU's Ecodesign Work Programme – see here – which is an element of the EU's action to put energy efficiency first and to lead the clean energy transition. This June, as part of the Clean Energy for All Europeans package, co-legislators reached political agreement on a new 32.5% energy efficient target for 2030 – see here.

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