Shedding light on bulb debate
by STACEY HEANEY
Retailer says supply of traditional bulbs will still be available
| Cohn Patterson of Smyth Patterson in Lisburn, says he will continue to stock normal light bulbs for at least another two years. Many other shops now only sell low-energy bulbs, which has led to a rush of shoppers keen to build up a stockpile of traditional tungsten bulbs amid fears they may soon be phased out. US0209-551CD |
LISBURN residents have been re-assured they will be keeping their lights burning brightly for quite some time after reports that 100 watt light bulbs will soon be phased out sparked shoppers to buy up any available stocks of traditional light bulbs.
Smyth Patterson's store reported their best ever sales of light bulbs in one day as local people snapped up the traditional bulbs to keep their homes well lit for the foreseeable future.
Government plans to introduce energy-efficient light bulbs within four years were announced in 2007, and the scheme is expected to save the equivalent of five million tonnes of CO2 a year.
However, Smyth Patterson's say they intend to continue to stock the bulbs for as long as possible, despite supermarkets ending the sale of them now.
Colin Patterson of Smyth Patterson said he thought the rush to buy would be easedif the public were given more information.
Colin Patterson says the questions customers are asking most often, and the answers they are giving, are:
Who's behind the phasing out of these light bulbs?
The Government, supermarkets and energy companies are all working together to phase out inefficient light bulbs. At the same time light bulb manufacturers are working to change their factories, so they can produce enough energy saving light bulbs to meet the growing demand.
When will the phase out happen?
According to a new EU directive from the 1st September 2009 100 watt bulbs will start being phased out. Then in 2010 60 watt light bulbs will go followed by 40 watts in 2011. However many national supermarkets have already ceased selling them. According to the Daily Mail, Sainsbury's are almost out of stock while John Lewis, Asda and Homebase no longer have 100 watt bulbs on their shelves. Tesco are reported to be stopping within the next few weeks.
Will I be able to buy the bulbs elsewhere?
The answer is yes - for the meantime. Although the supermarkets have decided to stop selling these bulbs there are many independent shops who will continue while they are available. Smyth Patterson's intend stocking these bulbs as long as they are available. Colin said: "We support the replacement of traditional light bulbs with more efficient bulbs but feel it will take time to complete the transition. Our staff will be happy to help customers understand the benefits of various types of bulbs to make the right choice."
Ulster Star
16/01/2009
