Phase-out of inefficient incandescent light bulbs

Working with the states and territories, the Australian Government will gradually phase out all inefficient incandescent light bulbs.

Savings to the environment

The phase-out will deliver considerable savings to the environment and the economy. Across the country, the move to more efficient lighting, such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), is expected to save around 30 terawatt hours of electricity and 28 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions between 2008 and 2020. This is equivalent to permanently decommissioning a small coal-fired power station or taking more than 500,000 cars off the road permanently. It is expected to result in savings to the Australian economy of around $380 million per year by 2020 and result in net savings of more than $50 per year for each household that changes all of its incandescent light globes to CFLs.

The first stage of the phase-out plan was the introduction of an import restriction on inefficient incandescent general lighting service (GLS) light bulbs used for general lighting purposes from 1 February 2009.

From 1 November 2009 minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) applied at point of sale to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), General Lighting Service (GLS) incandescent lamps and extra low voltage (ELV) halogen non-reflector lamps.

Globe Conversion Table

This table compares traditional incandescent light bulb wattages with the equivalent compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) or mains voltage halogen (MVH) lamp.

NOTE: The wattages listed above for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and MVH lamps are approximations only and may vary between manufacturers. Use wattages as a guide only. Alternatively, refer to the ‘Light Output in Lumens’ column. You can then check the lumen output (lm) shown on the CFL or MVH lamp package you are purchasing. (NB: Not all products carry lumen details)

* compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) come in a range of colours, these include:

• Warm White - provides a soft warmer light comparable to light provided by traditional incandescent light bulbs
• Cool White - provides neutral light comparable to office lighting
• Daylight - similar to outdoor light comparable to midday lighting conditions.

** MVH lamps are similar in appearance to traditional incandescent light bulbs and are suitable alternatives for light fixtures that require functions such as dimming, sensor lights, touch lights and other lighting applications, however, they are not as efficient as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).