Energy Saving Light bulbs v Incandescent Bulbs – The Ban Gets Political

The ban on the traditional incandescent bulb and its mandatory replacement with energy saving light bulbs has stirred up mild feelings of disquiet here in the UK but over the pond in America, the battle is becoming political.

In an interesting development which may have consequences for the incandescent light bulb ban, Minnesota Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann launched a bill to have the law requiring incandescent bulbs overturned earlier this week. If her bid is successful, the incandescent bulb will go back into production and rival its energy saving alternatives once again.

Rep Bachmann feels strongly about the decision to phase out traditional bulbs, saying the original law oversteps the boundaries of what the American legal system should and shouldn’t mandate to its citizens. She has called for the law to be overturned, and more consideration and studies carried out on energy saving bulbs and whether or not they should replace traditional bulbs in homes and workplaces around the country.

The politician has also stated that the decision to mandate the phasing out of old style bulbs “has sweeping effects on American families and businesses and needs serious consideration before taking effect”.

If the ban on production is lifted in America, there will likely be similar consequences in the UK and around Europe. Most countries have committed to phasing out t he old style bulb, pushing energy saving lamps such as the GU10 and LED bulbs as a more energy efficient alternative.

So why is America leading the revolt against a final move to energy saving bulbs? Some believe that energy saving light bulbs are more expensive than old style bulbs. While this was certainly true a few years ago, energy saving technology and manufacturing processes have developed considerably since then. Most standard energy saving lamps are now just as cheap as traditional bulbs were. Studies also suggest that for more expensive fluorescent lamps, the return on investment is balanced out within a year of purchase thanks to savings on energy bills.

Some also worry that energy efficient bulbs such as the GU10 provide a dimmer light. Again, this was true when the technology was first introduced but now there is a huge range of wattage, colour and style.

With the outcome to this bill likely to have global consequences, light bulb specialist BLT Direct is inviting UK businesses and homeowners to leave their thoughts on its Facebook and Twitter pages. Visit http://www.bltdirect.com for more information and to buy online.