Phase out incandescent lightbulbs in New Zealand

What is the topic?

This petition asks the New Zealand Parliament to ban the sale of traditional incandescent lightbulbs. These are the older style bulbs that use a heated wire filament to produce light. The petition proposes replacing them with LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs. LEDs are a modern technology that uses electronics to create light, which is significantly more energy-efficient than heating a wire. "GHG" stands for Greenhouse Gases, such as carbon dioxide, which contribute to climate change.

Current situation in New Zealand

Currently, there is no legislative ban on the sale of incandescent lightbulbs in New Zealand. Consumers can still purchase them in most retail stores. This petition exists because the petitioner believes that voluntary switching is too slow and that a mandatory phase-out is needed to accelerate energy savings and reduce emissions. The argument is that New Zealand is lagging behind other countries like Australia and the United Kingdom, which have already implemented bans on the sale of inefficient incandescent bulbs.

Arguments in favour

• Energy Savings: LED bulbs use up to 85% less electricity than incandescent bulbs. The petition estimates that replacing 15 standard bulbs with LEDs could save a household approximately $300 per year, based on typical usage and electricity rates.
• Environmental Impact: The petition claims that if all New Zealand households switched to LED lighting, it would avoid 45,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. This aligns with New Zealand’s broader goals to reduce its carbon footprint.
• International Precedent: Neighbouring countries and major economies have already phased out these bulbs, suggesting that New Zealand should follow suit to remain competitive and environmentally responsible.

Arguments against

• Consumer Choice: Critics argue that banning a legal product infringes on consumer freedom. Some users prefer the warm colour temperature of incandescent bulbs, which can be difficult to replicate perfectly with LEDs.
• Cost and Accessibility: While LEDs are cheaper to run, they have a higher upfront cost. For low-income households, the initial expense of replacing many bulbs may be a barrier, even if long-term savings exist.
• Specific Uses: Incandescent bulbs are still useful in certain applications, such as with dimmer switches that are not compatible with LEDs, or in specific industrial or artistic lighting setups where heat output is required.

Relevant Context

New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has previously reviewed energy efficiency standards but has not mandated a ban on incandescent bulbs. The electricity price cited in the petition ($0.26 per kWh) is an estimate; actual rates vary by provider and region. The petition targets the House of Representatives, meaning it seeks a change in law rather than a policy adjustment by a specific department. If passed, this would likely involve a transition period before the ban takes full effect, similar to regulations in Australia.

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