Press Release, Electrical Wholesalers Interviewed by the BBC on EU's 60 Watt Ban

London-based electrical wholesaler Sparks Direct was recently interviewed by BBC News on the EU banning production of 60 watt light bulbs. As of the 1st September 2011, the production of these bulbs has stopped in line with new EU regulations which aim to reduce carbon emissions produced though the use of the older, less efficient bulbs across the EU.

The news means that consumers will be limited to purchasing energy saving bulbs, which have substantially increased in price as demand has risen.

Although the EU's interest is stated to be environmental, they are likely to encounter an entirely new problem. Energy saving bulbs require specialist disposal, which could potentially lead to issues with pollution in the long term.

During the interview, Sparks Direct's Nick Cohen told a BBC reporter how to best dispose of energy saving light bulbs, informing the public that these new light bulbs cannot be disposed of as standard household waste, as they contain mercury. It now seems feasible that the government will have to introduce plans to prevent this and encourage customers to dispose of or recycle their energy efficient light bulbs in the correct manner.

The news footage also uncovered that some consumers are unhappy with the change. Many believe the new bulbs are not bright enough and that the rule prevents them from choosing the type of lighting they use.

Recently, Sparks Direct was featured in both the Daily Mail and the Telegraph whilst discussing the same issue.

Sparks Direct enlightened readers on how the raw cost of energy saving light bulbs has increased in the last few months, with the article stating "One major wholesaler, Sparks in north London, said the price charged by its supplier for an 11-watt CFL had risen from GBP1.39 in June to GBP1.67 today, an increase of 20 per cent."

Now that production of 60 watt light bulbs has stopped, these prices are expected to stay and could even rise further in the future months.

Sparks Direct stated that he can understand the consumer's frustrations  at the new regulation, but also feels people should accept the fact that production has ceased and embrace the benefits of energy saving light bulbs.

"Obviously customers feel like they should have a freedom of choice when it comes to all products they purchase including light bulbs, but unfortunately this law has now come in to place and consumers should try and focus on the positives, as they save you more money than a standard 60-watt light bulb and they have a longer life span, helping you reduce your electricity bill."