Scots fail to see the light over new bulbs

Published on Sunday 20 April 2008 22:00

ENERGY-SAVING light bulbs are being used far less in Scotland than elsewhere in the UK, with only half as many people fitting them, a new study has revealed.

Only 27 per cent of Scottish households are using the environmentally friendly option, compared with 50 per cent in England and 59 per cent in Northern Ireland. The figure for Wales is 44 per cent, making Scotland by far the poorest performer.

Research by the Energy Saving Trust shows Scots could save some 98 million a year by making the switch: they would also save enough electricity to power 280,300 homes every year.

According to the study, 83 per cent of Scots who use energy-saving light bulbs think they are just as good as traditional ones. But those that do use them fit the bulbs in only three out of a possible 23 places in their home.

They are most likely to be installed on the landing, with the bathroom the least popular place to make the switch to energy-saving bulbs.

The research showed Glaswegians would save 12 million in cost and electricity, while residents of Edinburgh would save 9 million.

Mike Thornton, the director of the Energy Saving Trust in Scotland, said: "Lighting accounts for 15 per cent of a household's electricity bill. By switching to energy-saving light bulbs, you can save money and help the environment as well, without compromising on the look and feel of your home.

"It's true that a few years ago energy saving light bulbs were pretty ugly looking and didn't provide good light, but this is a thing of the past.

"Now, if you changed all your remaining bulbs to energy-saving ones over the course of their lifetime, they will save you 600 and 2.7 tonnes of ."

He went on: "Switching to energy-saving light bulbs is one of the easiest ways that householders can help battle the damaging effects of climate change and, as this survey shows, it needn't cost you the earth to make that switch. In fact, you will save quite a lot of money."

Sales of energy-saving light bulbs soared last year.

Between January and December, the total number of energy-saving bulbs bought was 21 million, compared with just over ten million the previous year.

Energy-saving light bulbs last ten times longer than traditional ones.

The bulbs no longer come in one standard shape and size. Now, energy-saving bulbs are available with bayonet and screw-cap fittings and as dimmer bulbs.