Did you receive your 17 energy saving light bulbs?

360 million, that’s the number of low-energy light bulbs distributed free by the six big energy companies over the past eight years, or 17 per household. A survey by the Energy Trust suggests that at least a third remain unused.

It seems the energy companies chose to do this as it was the cheapest option for them to comply with their legal obligation under the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target.

The scheme has added £50 per annum to the average household bill.

• Companies claim immediate carbon saving on the basis each bulb is heavily used.
• Unsolicited bulbs were removed from the scheme in January.
• Low flow shower heads and eco-kettles can give rise to claims for savings – but evidence of proof is not required.
• Ministers have claimed the scheme will deliver £9m of benefit to society.
• A value for money review will be undertaken in 2013.

Above are just some bald facts from a longer and thought provoking article by Ben Webster in The Times edition of Eureka: Issue 11 August 2010, Science. Life. The Planet.