To Switch, or Not to Switch: A Critical Analysis of Canada's Ban on Incandescent Light Bulbs

Abstract

A critical analysis on the impacts of a ban on incandescent light bulbs is presented for different regions in Canada. The paper begins with a short history and description of incandescent light bulbs (ILBs) and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLBs). The notion that different regions that ban ILBs could increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is introduced. A framework for a comparison of GHG emissions for the ILB and CFLB alternatives is presented. Total GHG emissions for both alternatives are calculated and compared for three provinces in Canada: Quebec, Ontario and Alberta. Finally, there is a discussion on the impacts of the results for each of these locations.