This is For Your Own Good
Europe to ban halogen lightbulbs
After nearly 60 years of brightening our homes and streets, halogen lightbulbs will finally be banned across Europe on 1 September.
The lights will dim gradually for halogen. Remaining stocks may still be sold, and capsules, linear and low voltage incandescents used in oven lights will be exempted. But a continent-wide switchover to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is underway that will slash emissions and energy bills, according to industry, campaigners and experts.
LEDs consume five times less energy than halogen bulbs and their phase-out will prevent more than 15m tonnes of carbon emissions a year, an amount equal to Portugal’s annual electricity usage.
Sure, you could save more money. But, that should be your own choice, not Governments.
But that has not stopped a perennial tabloid crusade against interference from Brussels – and the revival of timeworn Brexiteer campaign themes.
Jonathan Bullock, Ukip’s energy spokesman in the European parliament told the Guardian: “The EU’s attempt to ban halogen bulbs is wrong because consumers will suffer financially and it’s always the poorest who suffer most from these kinds of policies.â€
“Customers should have the freedom of choice in bulbs and it shouldn’t be imposed by the EU.â€
They should. Halogens are actually sort of incandescents, just a bit more energy saving. They are used extensively for auto headlamps and lights, in under-cabinet lights, and many other applications. Personally, I try and avoid them for the home, as they put out heat more than other bulbs, and I choose to use LEDs and CFLs (I have a bunch of nice ones, and use the Phillips Hue bulbs in several lamps, so they are voice activated, I can set a time, and have different types of light output). But, it’s a choice. Not a government mandate controlling your behavior.
