How will the phase out benefit households:-
taken from www.environment.gov.au

Contents:-

1. How will the phase out beneift Australian Households?
2. How is the lighting industry responding to the phase out?

How will the phase out benefit Australian Households?:

Changing over to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) will on average save households around $50 per year on electricity bills, and is an opportunity for everyone to reduce their carbon emissions, and be part of the solution to global warming.

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) may cost more per lamp ($3 to $6) but this extra initial cost will be offset many times through reduced energy use. In areas where lights are used a lot, savings from reduced electricity bills will cover the initial purchase within a few months.

It is important to note that compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are not being mandated. More efficient forms of incandescent lighting will continue to be available, such as mains voltage halogen lamps. Mains voltage halogens have a very similar appearance to the traditional incandescent light bulb, can be used in all of the same fittings, and are readily available. The halogen gas they contain allows them to operate at a higher temperature, which results in higher efficiency levels. However, mains voltage halogens are not as energy efficient as CFL alternatives.

Specialist incandescent lighting - for example, oven lights or lights used in specific medical applications - will not be phased out until cost-effective, efficient alternatives are available.

How is the lighting industry responding to the phase out?:

The Australian Government has been working in consultation with the lighting industry during the inefficient incandescent lighting phase-out. Australia imports all the incandescent light bulbs used. There is no domestic manufacturing of this product.

Lighting importers already have access to competitive alternatives and will have plenty of time to change to alternative supplies.