Only fluorescent and LED lamps will be used in the UAE by the middle of 2013, as the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology expands its range of performance standards to include more electrical appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators. According to the latest regulations, all light bulbs sold and used in the country must be classified as environmentally friendly.

Only fluorescent light bulbs and LED lights will be accepted under the new rating system, which is currently being developed.

“We are increasingly covering various electrical equipment and appliances on a priority basis,” said Mohammad Saleh Badri, acting director general of ESMA. We'll announce the next range of appliances protected by the ratings system early next year.” The authority is also in talks with various stakeholders to assess the effect of the ban and ensure that all bases are covered before any action is taken.

“We want to be certain that no one is harmed, especially customers. We don't want to burden customers with additional costs as a result of the ban on standard bulbs, so we're looking into the effect of the ban and, if necessary, we'll see if the government will subsidise eco-friendly bulbs to lower prices,” Badri added.

Incandescent bulbs will be banned indefinitely until the discrepancies are determined and regulations are drafted, which are expected to be approved by the UAE cabinet in the coming months.

“The regulations would effectively ban incandescent and halogen bulbs as they consume a lot of energy and would not make the cut. We urge all consumers to stop buying these bulbs and replace them with energy efficient white bulbs which will save a lot of power as well as money,” Badri said while explaining the benefits of the move.

“We are coordinating with different (government) departments to implement (the plan) at the governmental level. We are also in talks with the Roads and Transport Authority Dubai (RTA), the Department of Transport Abu Dhabi and several municipalities to see whether they can replace street lamps with energy efficient bulbs. If this happens, it will be a great achievement for us,” he added.

Meanwhile, ESMA is seeking to replace industrial lighting and flood lights in stadiums and entertainment arenas with environmentally friendly alternatives.

“Our primary focus is on domestic and personal users, but we will gradually cover all types of lights, including decorative lights, flood lights etc. There are energy-efficient alternatives for all types of lightings and we will slowly push for their replacement at every level,” said Badri.