Introducing Harmful Low Energy Technology Disrupts in Europe: Shouldn't We Have Considered Consumers First?

Abstract

Regulations around the world are forbidding incandescence bulbs in an attempt to curb electricity consumption. However, lighting occupies a very small share in the total electricity consumption. The replacement technology, mostly fluorescent bulbs count among drawbacks a negative impact on human health and increasing issues for their ecological elimination. Consumers feel attached to the incandescent bulbs but gradually moving to low consumption bulbs. In this paper, we list the disadvantages of fluorescent bulbs and examine some consumers' relationships with light bulbs. This is to add further elements to shift the debate away from electricity savings towards ecological and health concerns.

Keywords: Lighting, bulbs, consumer’s choice, legislation, energy policy, public health risk