Energy conservation reason behind light bulb change Published Oct. 30, 2009 SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- A European Union ban released in September calls for the replacement of less-efficient light bulbs with 100-watt compact fluorescent bulbs, abbreviated as CFL, in homes in the EU. Bulbs of other wattages must be replaced by Sept. 1, 2012. The new ban forbids producing and importing incandescent bulbs, but the sale of such bulbs is currently not forbidden. The ban was implemented for energy efficiency and climate protection according to European Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs. The commission estimated the average European household can save approximately $50 per year on electricity bills and annual carbon dioxide emissions in Europe may be cut immensely.