I think it was 20 odd years ago, all household appliances had continuity switching transformers fitted- that means, when the appliance was not used, it would not draw electricity, But that changed- now standards have continuity fixed transformers- that means, even if the appliance is switched off, it still draws electricity; What they don’t like to tell anyone, is you have to switch it off at the PowerPoint.
Are our politician / Bureaucrats total dopes or do they just thinking we are all stupid?

It is cheaper to run 12 volt inverters to operate lighting in a house; it just means people need to do a bit of homework instead of following the blind faith of political / bureaucratic proven liars.

I'd like to see how much more energy it takes to actually manufacture one of these bulbs than for an incandencent one, given the difference in purchase price.

I'm guessing that the nett gain energy-wise is smaller than we have been led to believe.

One of the components of these bulbs is mercury so the cost and methods of disposal may also need to be considered.

This is an interim feel-good solution to a much larger problem.

Maybe Malcolm T should be more concerned with where the power comes from?

Pollies are funny creatures, and are especially comical in their use of waste paper baskets. Into one goes a CSIRO report claiming that solar thermal power could compete with coal on a cost basis by 2015, along with a report claiming that clean coal isn't all it's cracked up to be,

http://canberra.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=environment&story_id=557289&category=Environment

and from another comes a dusty old Bradfield Scheme. Doesn't it just leave you in stitches?

Sometimes I wish I could remember what I read some years ago, but in ‘The National Geographic magazine published in 1992 explained how a small country town of 30 odd houses a shopping center and a pub were supplied power by?

Yep; one Solar power plant.

What changed?

Bugger I wish I could get that publication again.

All wrote;
It is cheaper to run 12 volt inverters to operate lighting in a house;
it just means people need to do a bit of homework instead of following the blind faith of political / bureaucratic proven liars.

Please explain, I presume you mean the usual 12vdc to 240vac inverters.
If so how can they be cheaper to run ? They have losses.
Then you have to catch your 12 volt. I must have missed something here.
There are a number of small remote towns using solar systems with
large DC to AC inverters to supply their town. They always, as far as I have
seen have diesal backup. It comes down to cost.
It is not the initial cost either but the replacement battery cost.
If it is big enough not to need the backup the battery bank is very
substantial and the battery upkeep/replacement costs are very
significant.

You are right Bazz, Battery storage is limited, but it is relatively inexpencive contry to popular belief, although people will need to develop a mind set to explore other option.

Diesel Generators would obviously be used, but some simple engineering and drive line know how, you can operate several dynamos off the one Engine thus increasing the output 4 & 6 & 8 fold of a single drive line; I take it you are familiar with Bio diesel and how to make it.
Cost effective =12cents for 12 hours run time, for one single unit .

We have only made crude models of this; it is not the be all to end all, but non the less it is preparation for what is in stall in the not so distant future;

Solar panels and associated technology are far more advanced than some people give credence.
Although it is dragging the thread off the topic; perhaps if Governments actually spent the Surplus from Utilities on renewing and upgrading as they did in the past and what was once their Constitutional duty , instead of lining their mates and associates pockets, we would never be in this predicament.

Just check out the surplus amounts through budget reporting and how much was stolen.

If anything Bazz it is to spike people into thinking again, answers are not simple, but not impossible.

Lets say; Turn the Lights on again.