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 on Wednesday 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 percent 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 percent of household lights are considered to use too much electricity.