Lightbulbs We spoke to ebulbshop.com managing director Rob James who explained: "There is a voluntary agreement between the UK Government and major retail chains to implement a ban on the sale of the 100 watt light bulb and while we are still able to sell them, it won't be too long before we will not be able to maintain a supply."
What is true is that sales of all pearl or frosted bulbs were banned from September 2009, regardless of wattage. However, for the clear type the ban will be introduced over a stepped period, dependent upon wattage. The thinking behind this is that anyone currently using pearl should be using an energy saver anyway:
* September 2009: All frosted (pearl) Filament-Lamps and clear Filament-Lamps = / > 100W
* September 2010: clear Filament-Lamps > 75W
* September 2011: clear Filament-Lamps > 60W
* September 2012: clear Filament-Lamps > 25W
* September 2016: only Filament-Lamps with Energy Efficiency Class A and B
Special lamps for use in fridges or ovens are exempted. All lamps for low-voltage use and designs which are not intended for general lighting use are exempted as well.
This ban only covers normal lightbulbs – ie: ones that look like lightbulbs. It does not cover reflectors, candle shapes or anything that isn't a normal lightbulb.
James added: "A few years ago buying a lightbulb was a very easy process. One simply had the choice of 40, 60, 100 watt, with Edison screw or bayonet cap in a pearl or clear finish. Now though the choice is far greater and much more complex.
"Some people complain that energy savers are not bright enough - this is simply because they are not buying a high enough wattage. The most readily available lightbulb in supermarkets is the 11 watt energy saver and this will only produce the same light output as a 60 watt equivalent.
"Then, of course, there is the colour of light that is produced. Some customers complain that the bulbs are too blue, cold and, well, horrible. Again, they are buying the wrong product."
When choosing energy-saving lightbulbs it is important to understand the wattage and colour temperature of the bulb as this will control the colour of light output.
Energy saving bulbs also now come with the ability to work on a dimmer switch, a range of which can be seen online on websites such as ebulbshop.com.
Whatever you think of the EU ban and how it is implemented, there are enough new products available to make the switch without too much pain.
They are more expensive, but don't forget they last up to 15 times longer and will save approximately £14 per year, per bulb, on your electricity bill.