Sir

Contrary to claims that light bulbs are to lose their wattage markings “Sheer Lumenacy!”, 24 May 2009, allow me to shine some light on the facts to reassure your readers.

Light bulb packaging will continue to display watts. In fact it is compulsory for them to do so. 

The only change from 2010 is that the display of lumens will have to be larger than the display in watts. This is so consumers grow accustomed to comparing lamps based on their real performance, the quantity of light produced, not their wattage, which just measures the electricity consumed. For instance: the same quantity of light (around 750 lumens) can be produced by an incandescent bulb using 60 W, a halogen bulb using 42 W, or a compact fluorescent lamp using 15 W.

Yours etc.

Antonia Mochan

Head of Media
European Commission Representation to the UK

Light bulbs are to lose their wattage markings thanks to new European Union rules.  It has decided to replace the energy measurements with wording revealing the power in “lumens” – the amount of light a bulb gives out.
(The Mail on Sunday, 24 May 2009) 
 

Let’s shine some light on the facts.

Firstly, light bulb packaging will continue to display watts. In fact it is compulsory for them to do so.
Secondly, the only change from 2010 is that the display of lumens will have to be larger than the display in watts. This is so consumers grow accustomed to comparing lamps based on their real performance, the quantity of light produced, not their wattage, which just measures the electricity consumed.

For instance: the same quantity of light (around 750 lumens) can be produced by an incandescent bulb using 60 W, a halogen bulb using 42 W, or a compact fluorescent lamp using 15 W.

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