Cut priced eco bulbs to be axed in the UK - govt to pull the plug on subsidies...

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From the UK this week:  Eco bulb subsidies to be scrapped.


Cut-price eco bulbs axed: Cost will soar as ministers pull the plug on subsidies



Eco bulbs will not be subsidised because energy firms will be forced to plough cash into other environmentally-friendly projects



Energy-saving lightbulbs could treble in price as ministers order energy suppliers to stop subsidising them.

At the moment, power companies discount compact fluorescent bulbs as part of measures to meet greenhouse gas targets.

But Chris Huhne, minister for climate change, has told electricity and gas firms to stop the promotions in supermarkets and DIY chains - and invest more money in home insulation instead.

Some industry experts have welcomed the change. But others warn that these rules will lead to price rises.

Energy-saving bulbs are sold for as little as 33p each in supermarkets. The end of subsidises means they could cost £1 or more.



Under the Government's Carbon Emissions Reduction Target, the biggest energy supplies must help customers cut their fuel bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The companies have met their targets by promoting energy-saving bulbs - and have given away around 230million in the last few years.

At the start of last year, ministers banned light bulb mail-outs. But power companies have continued subsidise the cost of bulbs in supermarkets and DIY stores.

In the last three months alone, eight million of the bulbs were sold by chain stores under the subsidy scheme.

But these subsidises will be scrapped when the CERT scheme is extended from March 2011 to the end of 2012, Mr Huhne explained.

Suppliers will be forced to spend the money promoting loft, cavity wall and solid wall insulation instead.

Most householders could save around £550 a year by insulating their homes, the minister added.





Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1290934/Cost-eco-lightbulbs-treble-energy-suppliers-ordered-scrap-subsidies.html#ixzz11v5faedP

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