Zug,12.01.2009

Light bulb ban

Since the 1st of January 2009 certain light bulbs can not be sold any more. Consumers are confused.

Express:

· Lightbulbs of the Energy Category/Class F and G are no longer allowed

· That has led to hording in some shops

Not a total ban

Whether a light bulb is an “energy-eater” or energy efficient is something you can see by reading the label. Class A are the most energy efficient light bulbs, Class G the most wasteful.

Since the 1^st of January 2009 Class F and G are forbidden in Switzerland. Those light bulbs converted only 5% of the electric energy into light, and 95% into heat. In Switzerland, every fourth light bulb sold belonged to this category. The Federal Department of Energy wants to pull these out of circulation completely by the year 2012.

The current law allows exceptions. Further allowed are light bulbs for refrigerators, ovens, flashlights and decoration lights.

Source/Media Partner: Neue Zuger Zeitung