Gerry Brownlee MP
National Party Energy Spokesman

23 June 2008

Bright sparks dream up light bulb ban

“The Government’s big stick plan to ban conventional light bulbs is something that only the bright sparks in Labour would dream up at this time,” says National Party Energy spokesman Gerry Brownlee.

“Energy conservation is important, but a blanket ban on conventional light bulbs is heavy handed and typical of Labour's command and control ideology.”

Reported problems include:

• The absence of plans for collecting and disposing of the new bulbs.

• Complaints that the lights may blow if used with a dimmer switch.

Mr Brownlee says consumers should be encouraged not compelled to make the change to energy saver-type bulbs.

“When many Kiwi families are struggling to put food on the table, replacing their light bulbs isn’t a priority.”

Mr Brownlee says commentators have hit the nail on the head, saying things like ‘the financial saving to households of fluorescent light bulbs means they sell themselves. In relatively quick time, the technology associated with them will expand to answer current problems. Old-style bulbs will be consigned to history’. – NZ Herald.

“Surely the sensible approach is to continue encouraging householders to make the light bulb switch rather than through the blunt instrument of a blanket ban.”

ENDS

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