[richardkm]

I could have more sympathy with the call to economise on electricity by not using standby and by using low energy bulbs, but - you look at any town from above and notice how much light is directed upwards from street lights. In my home town, I reckon there is LESS light directed onto the streets than goes into the sky. I have a street light on the opposite of the road from my house. If the cutains are not closed tight on our bedroom window, then the light comes in like a searchlight, and we're on the first floor, about level with the top of the light. A while ago, the light failed, and it was bliss with proper darkness at night.

When the powers that be endeavour to improve efficiency, then I will follow suit. I have already replaced the majority of my light bulbs with low energy bulbs, but mainly because they last longer!