Energy Efficient Lightbulbs Will Help Reduce Carbon Emissions And Energy Bills In Midwest

The Clare T.D. pointed out that the move would primarily help reduce to greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change.

Minister of State Killeen commented after John Gormley, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, launched a consultation paper on a proposed energy efficiency and performance standard for light bulbs.

The consultation paper outlines details of the proposed standard that will be introduced on a phased basis over a number of years.

"The new generation of energy-efficient lights will cost Midwest consumers more but return their investment in a few months. The changeover will get us in line with the rest of the advanced industrial world in moving toward more efficient lighting", stated Minister Killeen.

He continued, "Energy efficient light bulbs use 20% of the energy compared to traditional bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. The universal changeover will generate real savings for consumers, while lowering Ireland's carbon emissions."

Minister Killeen explained that the phasing out of almost half of all traditional lightbulbs would greatly assist the Midwest in tackling climate change and improving energy efficiency at a regional level.

"This announcement by Minister Gormley will help the Midwest reduce its carbon emissions, while it will also support the Government in achieving Ireland’s Kyoto commitments. Locally, the Midwest region could face a EUR62m bill in carbon levy by 2010 unless immediate remedial actions such as that proposed by the Government are taken", he added.

The types of bulbs which will not meet the proposed standard, and, as a consequence, will no longer be available on the Irish market are ordinary incandescent tungsten filament bulbs and low energy-efficient incandescent tungsten filament halogen bulbs for general lighting.

The first phase will be introduced in March 2009 and will apply to bulbs of 75W and above. This will eliminate a substantial number, possibly in the region of half, of the most energy inefficient light bulbs from the Irish market.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900