Impact and delay of the phase out of inefficient light bulbs policy

摘要

In February 2009, the European Commission decided to implementa planned phase out of inefficient (incandescent andconventional halogen) light bulbs (2009/125/CE and 2009/244/CE). Switzerland started its own policy measures a few monthsbefore those of the EU27-member body and later followed theEU’s line from September 2010.This paper presents an analysis of the impact of this policyby analysing an energy efficiency program addressing lowto medium income households. The analysis is founded onmultiple surveys which took place from 2009 to 2014. Animportant component of this program is the replacement ofinefficient incandescent and halogen lamps by efficient ones(CFLs and LEDs). Data concerning the replaced inefficientlamps has been gathered at every one of the campaigns carriedout by the program. This allows for continuous information onthe evolution of inefficient lighting equipment of dwellings forthe last five years.While the agenda of market withdrawal was precisely established,the phase out of inefficient lamps operating in householdshas an inherent inertia that appears to be more importantthan expected. Indeed, there is a significant number of incandescentlamps still operating in households. In addition, themain substitute for the banned lamps has become the halogenlamp. Our paper appraises the discrepancy concerning the evolutionof the stock of inefficient lamps between the projectionsthat were made in 2008 for the 2009/244/CEE directive and thereal situation in households of the city of Geneva-Switzerland.The first five stages of the regulation have already been implementedand it is likely that the outcome will influence theimplementation of stage six.