Old-style 100-watt light bulbs will be banned in Europe's shops from next week in favour of new energy-saving models, with consumer groups giving the move a guarded welcome.
From September 1, 100-watt versions of the old incandescent bulbs will be banned from Europe's shops and other bulbs with lower wattage will follow in the ensuing years, under a system agreed by EU experts last December.
New technology light bulbs, such as compact florescent lights (CFL) can save up to 80 per cent of the energy used by the worst old-style lights in homes.
The move will also cut carbon dioxide emissions as part of the European Union's wider climate change package.
At the moment, around 85 per cent of household lights are considered to use too much electricity.
The European Consumers' Association BEUC welcomed the phasing out of incandescent light bulbs saying "consumers benefit financially from the measure, but most importantly, they will be able to contribute to improved energy efficiency."
However the group added, in a statement, that removing the old-style light bulbs from the market also holds drawbacks for some consumers.
There are concerns "about the risks to health from the high mercury content of the new bulbs," the group warned.
The EU plan also "falls short of the needs of some consumers who need to use the old-style light bulbs for health-related reasons such as light sensitivity," BEUC added.
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