The new year begins the next phase of slowly eliminating incandescent light bulbs.
The familiar traditional light bulb will soon be hard to get. The federal government wants consumers to move away from the heat-emitting incandescent bulbs to the more energy efficient halogen or compact fluorescent bulbs.
AUDIO Focus on Energy spokesperson Sarah Platt says the organization has a program in place to encourage people to buy energy efficient products. :22
Longer term, the bulbs will cut down on electrical costs. Platt says with more lights on during the winter months, it’s a good time to change out bulbs. “We really want to encourage businesses and residents to purchase the most efficient light bulbs out there.”
A new federal law ends the production of 60 and 40 watt bulbs. Starting January 1st, retailers can only sell their remaining stock. When stores run out of the bulbs, they’ll be gone for good. A previous law already bans the production of 100 and 75 watt bulbs.
You will need to learn a slightly different rating system on how much light the bulb puts out. The new bulbs are measured in lumens for how much light they put out instead of by watts, for how much energy they use. Most packages give you the lumens vs watts comparison on the package to help you choose the right bulb.
Focus on Energy is Wisconsin utilities’ statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource program. Since 2001, the program has worked with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
Thanks Ken Krall, WXPR