From September 2009 the manufacture of many common light bulbs found in most homes and businesses will be banned and in this article we disclose the full extent of the ban and how to beat it.

The Daily Mail broke the story of the impending light bulb ban on the 7th January. Within hours of the story every
manufacturer had sold out of all of their stocks of 100W bulbs. Most suppliers are now in the fortunate position of having all general light bulbs in stock, but they will remain in short supply until the ban takes affect in September. Manufacturers have all raised their prices so many suppliers and high street stores have had no choice but to increase their prices accordingly.

Timetable:

From September 2009, manufacturers will not be able to put any non-clear filament lamps on the market, regargless of wattage. In addition all non reflector lamps over 75watts will be banned. Most people have not realised that this ban also includes all pearl and opal lamps, including candles, globes, rounds and frosted halogen lamps. Ordinary lamps, candles and rounds will continue to be sold in clear versions for the time being but the next stage of the ban is to reduce the wattage even further until eventually all lamps over 5 watts will be unavailable..

Stock up but beware of the price increases!!!

Many people have light fittings that for one reason or another will not accept a low energy lamp. We can only suggest two options for you. Replace the fitting or stock up on lamps now. Be warned, stocks of all lamp types due to be banned are running low and it is likely that stock will disappear long before the actual cut off date. Prices are also increasing, partly due to the weak pound but also due to the increased demand.

These lamps will be banned in September 2009

The G9 halogen lamp is on the list because it is not clear. All the clear lamps will remain on sale for the immediate future.	Opal, pearl and frosted candles are on the list, there are no exceptions for Girard Sudron, twisted or bent-tipped all will go so if you must have these lamps then you need to start accumulating them now.	There is no escape for these either. Some large globes can be replaced by energy saving versions, but right now there are no dimming versions. So if you need to use a dimmer you will need to stock up.
This popular halogen lamp is also going. only the 75W clear lamp will remain on sale for the following 12 months.	Tungsten halogen lamps, for security lights and up-lighters over 75W will be banned and there is no real alternative. When your supplies run out you will be forced to invest in a new fitting.	Very popular BTT shaped lamps will be restricted to the 60W clear lamps from September. All the higher wattage's and opal lamps will go.

For more energy saving tips and ideas, click here