Frequently asked questions
Why is the Australian Government phasing out inefficient incandescent light bulbs?
Lighting represents around 12 per cent of electricity usage from households, and around 25 per cent of the electricity used by the commercial sector. The Australian Government recognises that this is an area where energy savings can be easily made by replacing inefficient incandescent lights with more cost-effective and energy efficient alternatives.
These energy efficient alternatives include compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) which use only 20 per cent of the electricity to produce the same amount of light. Using less energy means reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower electricity bills - benefits to both the environment and individuals.
How will inefficient incandescent light bulbs be phased out?
The Australian Government will implement the phase-out by introducing minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for lighting products. MEPS are the minimum efficiency standards that products must meet in order to be sold in the Australian market. MEPS are used for various product ranges, including refrigerators, freezers, washing machines and other household appliances. More information about MEPS is available at: www.energyrating.gov.au.
More efficient types of incandescent bulbs called halogens will continue to be available, but the least efficient of this group will be phased out. Halogen bulbs are more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, but are significantly less efficient than compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). More information about the phase-out, as it applies to specific lighting products is available at www.energyrating.gov.au/library/details200718-phaseout-incandescent-lamps.html. The purpose of this report is to outline a plan for applying MEPS to incandescent and compact fluorescent lamps.
Further, the consultation draft of the regulatory impact statement: Proposal to Phase-Out Inefficient Incandescent Light Bulbs was released on 12 September 2008 for public comment. This document outlines the details to introduce minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for inefficient incandescent light bulbs, CFLs and extra low voltage converters.
Please note that the up to date timing of the phase-out is set out in the table below.
Which incandescent light bulbs will be phased out?
The Australian Government is targeting any light bulbs that have an efficiency level of less than 15 lumens per watt (lm/w). Lumens (lm) are a measure of light output and watts (w) are a measure of energy input.
The traditional pear-shaped incandescent bulbs (GLS) are the least efficient - these bulbs waste 90 per cent of the energy they use, mainly as heat. They will be phased out first, with an import restriction applying from 1 February 2009, followed by an expected retail sales ban from November 2009.
More efficient types of incandescent bulbs - known as halogens will continue to be available, but the least efficient of this group will be phased out over time. Mains voltage (240V), and low voltage bulbs (12V - typically used in down lighting), are the common types of halogen bulb. Low voltage does not mean low energy use.
What are the projected dates for the phase-out as they apply to specific lighting products?
The projected dates provided within this table for the application of minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) to specific lighting products are dependant upon the availability of effective and efficient alternatives being readily available in the market place.
| Lamp Type | Sales restriction from |
|---|---|
| 1 November 2009 |
| October 2010 |
| October 2012 |
| To be determined dependent on the availability of efficient replacement products |
Will streets lights and other public lighting be affected by the phase-out measure?
Most street and public lights do not use incandescent technology, so the phase-out will not affect them.
Street and road lighting in Australia is very efficient compared to other countries, however, the Government is working with industry and the relevant Australian Standards Committee to reduce the amount of energy used by street lights.
Energy saving tips
More information about energy efficient lighting:
- Good ideas about lighting - Global Warming Cool it
- Lighting - Your Home Design Guide
- Public lighting - guide for local government