The European Commission (EC) has committed to phasing out inefficient incandescent light bulbs by 2020.

By taking the measures, the EC expects homeowners and businesses across the continent to save around euros 11 billion per year.

It also predicts that the environmental savings will be significant, with the annual output of 20 500-megawatt power stations being saved over the course of the next ten and a half years.

The decision comes as a direct response to a request made by the 2007 Spring European Council that the commission move to reduce energy expenditure from lighting by the end of 2009, according to Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs.

“By replacing last century lighting products by more performant technologies, European homes, buildings and streets will keep the same quality of lighting, while saving energy, CO2 and money,” he explained.

The commission recently applauded the 61 energy bosses from across Europe who decided to aim to make the continent’s electricity supply carbon neutral by 2050.

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