EU member states approve phasing-out of old-style lightbulbs by 2012

BRUSSELS, Dec. 8 (Chinese media) -- European Union (EU) member states on Monday

endorsed the European Commission's proposals on the phasing out of old-style

bulbs by the end of 2012.

By enforcing the legislation, EU citizens will save close to 40TWh --

roughly the annual electricity consumption of Romania -- and will lead to a

reduction of about 15 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, said

the European Commission, the executive body of the EU.

"This ground breaking measure delivers a clear message about the EU's

commitment to reach its energy efficiency and climate protection targets. By

replacing last-century lamps by more performant technologies, European homes

will keep the same quality of lighting, while saving energy, carbon dioxide and

money," said EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs.

The regulation targets lamps typically used in households, in particular

incandescent lamps, halogen lamps and compact fluorescent lamps, by setting

minimum energy efficiency and functionality requirements.

Depending on the number of lamps installed, an average household switching

from incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps could make net savings

between 25 and 50 euros (about 33 and65 U.S. dollars) a year on their

electricity bill. This means that5 billion to 10 billion euros will be

reinjected every year into the EU economy.

The regulation will now be scrutinized by the European Parliament. It is

scheduled for formal adoption in March 2009. (1 U.S. dollar = 0.7576 euro)