Hedge End’s MP Stops the Scheme to Promote Energy Saving Light Bulbs

The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, MP for Eastleigh and our MP here in Hedge End, Chris Huhne has announced that energy companies will no longer be able to promote the use of compact fluorescent lamps as part of their CERT (Carbon Emissions Reduction Target) responsibilities.

This is on top of the ban imposed on the mail-out of free bulbs by the government at the beginning of the year. I hadn’t realised until now that this mail-out had been stopped – although I’ve never yet been able to use any of the free bulbs I’ve been sent as they don’t fit any of my light fittings, and apparently I’m not alone in this.

According to a Daily Telegraph article of March 2010 over 200 million free energy saving light bulbs were posted out during a two year period and the vast majority have never been used.

The article also reports that each household has averaged paying £45 for these ‘free’ energy saving bulbs, the energy companies’ costs covered through higher customer bills.

Chris Huhne has announced that the energy companies must now put their effort into ensuring a greater number of properties have loft and wall insulation, especially those of low-income households as improved insulation will also mean lower energy bills. 

Chris Huhne said: “Our plans will give a huge boost to the insulation industry during the economic recovery as we pave the way for the start of the Green Deal. This is the beginning of a massive and urgent increase in home energy insulation for the nation. We are demanding that energy companies work harder to make homes warmer, more environmentally friendly and cheaper to run, especially for those who need it most.”

Since April 2008 2.5 million homes have been treated under the scheme and according to the Department for Energy and Climate Change the CERT changes will result in a further 3.5 million householders insulating their property.

Any thoughts in Hedge End – either on the ending of the issue of ‘free’ energy saving bulbs or on the cost of the scheme or the usefulness of energy saving light bulbs, or do you have an opinion on the government’s new focus on home insulation?

Or do you have any views generally on climate change and how we can reduce carbon emissions in the UK?

And if you cast your vote for Chris Huhne here in Hedge End in the general election, is this the sort of policy you were voting for?

Whatever your views, share them with Hedgeendpeople!