A European Union ban on the manufacture and import of 100 watt and frosted incandescent light bulbs came into force on 1st September.The EU wants the bulbs to be replaced mainly by longer-lasting compact fluorescent lamps. According to the Energy Saving Trust the fluorescent bulbs use 80% less energy than the traditional bulbs which have been in use since the 19th century.
According to reports from shopkeepers people are now stockpiling supplies of the 100 watt bulbs. The ban will be extended to all incandescent bulbs by 2012.
For more information see European Commission (Energy efficiency advice) also Energy Saving Trust and Defra
