The New Brunswick government may follow Nova Scotia's lead in considering a ban on incandescent light bulbs, requiring the use of compact fluorescent bulbs in the province.

Energy Minister Jack Keir said Wednesday he's asked his staff to consider the approach announced by the Nova Scotia government this week, suggesting the elimination of incandescent light bulbs within five years, giving retailers time to prepare.

Keir said the spiral-shaped fluorescent bulbs are much friendlier to the environment

"What we're looking at is the fact that fluorescent bulbs now last 10 times longer," Keir said. "They take 75 per cent less energy, they result in greenhouse gas reductions.

One drawback to the change could be cost, Keir said, as fluorescent bulbs are more expensive than incandescents.

Keir said he wants to make sure the benefits outweigh the cost, and is not disclosing when a decision regarding a ban will be made.

"I don't know if we'll wait five years like they are, but as soon as this report is completed we'll take a look at it and decide then," he said.

Australia is banning incandescent light bulbs within three years. The government said the move will cut 800,000 tonnes from Australia's current greenhouse gas emissions by 2012.