Energy saving light bulbs take over

Inefficient light bulbs are being phased out over the next few years - helping everyone spend less on electricity

Inefficient light bulbs are disappearing from UK shops - they're all being replaced by energy saving light bulbs.

Energy saving light bulbs are compact, bright and available in a wide range of shapes - so the only difference you'll notice is a drop in your electricity bills.

We explain why energy saving light bulbs are taking over, how much you'll save and the benefit to the planet.

The savings: energy and money
Who's behind the phase out of inefficient light bulbs?
When will the phase out happen?
Do energy saving light bulbs fit in ordinary light fittings?
How much do energy saving light bulbs cost?
Types of energy saving light bulb
How to make sure your bulbs are energy saving

The savings: energy and money

Fitting just one energy saving light bulb can save you on average £2.50 a year - and by swapping all the light bulbs in your home for energy saving ones you could save around £37 per year.

Right now, the vast majority of the 600 million light bulbs in UK homes are inefficient tungsten filament bulbs. By phasing out these inefficient bulbs, we could make a real difference to our national energy consumption.

Who's behind the phase out of inefficient light bulbs?

The Government, retailers and energy companies are all working together to phase out inefficient light bulbs.

At the same time, light bulb manufacturers are working to change their factories, so they can produce enough energy saving light bulbs to meet the growing global demand.

When will the phase out happen in the UK?

Bulbs greater than 100W have already started to be phased out. Next to be phased out will be the standard shaped bulbs (usually called A-shaped) that are used in most homes.

Type of light bulb	Date participating retailers will stop selling them
75-100W A-shaped	Jan 2009
60W A-shaped	Jan 2010
40W A-shaped	Jan 2011
60W golfball-shaped and candle-shaped	Jan 2011

What's happening in Europe?

The European commission has recently adopted new regulations which will mean that inefficient lightbulbs will be phased out across the European Union. The UK is already one year ahead, thanks to the voluntary phase out initiative.

When will the European phase out happen?

Stage	Date	Main result
1	1 September 2009	Clear lamps equivalent to 100W incandescent lamps, or above, must be minimum C class. Non-clear (frosted / pearl) lamps must be minimum A-class. Introduction of functionality requirements on lamps.
2	1 September 2010	Phase-out of 75 W clear incandescent lamps. Introduction of information requirements.
3	1 September 2011	Phase-out of 60 W clear incandescent lamps.
4	1 September 2012	Phase out of all remaining clear incandescent lamps (i.e. 40W and 25W).
5	1 September 2013	Enhanced functionality requirements.
6	1 September 2016	Raising the minimum level to B class for clear retrofit lamps (i.e. phasing out C-class retrofit halogen lamps).

Do energy saving light bulbs fit in ordinary light fittings?

Energy saving light bulbs fit in ordinary light fittings - and if you have a dimmer switch you can buy special dimming energy saving light bulbs bulbs.

There are even candle shaped energy saving light bulbs to fit in chandelier light fittings.

How much do energy saving light bulbs cost?

At the moment, energy saving light bulbs are a little more expensive than tungsten filament light bulbs, typically costing around £2 - but you'll easily make back the difference on your electricity bill in about a year.

Energy saving light bulbs will become even cheaper as more are produced, because manufacturers will be able to make them more efficiently.

Types of energy saving light bulb

There are the following energy saving light bulbs out there:

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs): these are the most common energy saving light bulbs and come in stick shape, candle shape, small or medium screw and bayonet fittings.
Energy saving halogen light bulbs: a good option if you have halogen lights in your home. They consume around 30% less electricity than standard halogen bulbs.
LED lights: these have progressed rapidly in recent years and can now be used to replace existing halogen spotlights. Our Energy Saving Recommended scheme now includes LED lights and we're expecting the first products to be endorsed by April 2009.