Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

The Consumer's Edge

A bright idea long overdue

By IVAN PENN, The Consumer's Edge
Published March 10, 2007

So how many lawmakers does it take to change a light bulb?

This is not a joke. Funny, perhaps. But it really is not a joke.

There appears to be a growing movement to send Thomas Edison's incandescent bulb the way of the video cassette.

And why not? Edison invented the old bulb in 1879. Clearly, we're due for a change.

The push is for compact fluorescent lights or CFLs. You know, those bulbs that often come in a curly configuration and look like glowing pigs' tails?

Well, with the "How Many Legislators Does It Take to Change A Light Bulb Act," California Assemblymember Lloyd Levine wants to ban incandescents in his state by 2012 in favor of CFLs.

Alex Traverso, Levine's spokesman, says the bill is gaining momentum now that Australia has moved to ban incandescents on its continent by 2009 and mega-retailer Wal-Mart wants to have millions of homes lit up with CFLs by year's end.

Why all the fuss?

CFLs reduce energy costs and can last five years. They emit less heat than incandescent bulbs and release less carbon-dioxide.

All told, CFLs can save consumers hundreds a year and help the environment.

But they are not without concerns: each bulb can cost $3 to $5, about six times more than incandescent bulbs. The average house has about 30 light fixtures, or $90 to $120 worth of fluorescent lights.

And John Skinner, of the Solid Waste Association of North America, wants disposal of the bulbs regulated. CFLs contain small doses of mercury, a toxic metal that in large quantities can harm the brain, spinal cord, kidneys and liver. "When they change all the bulbs in an office building, that type of load ... they should be managed," he says.

But don't think that this is the end for Edison's bulb. Beginning 2010, General Electric plans to roll out more energy-efficient incandescents.

Until then, however, here's the edge on bulbs from Progress Energy:

- Many first-time fluorescent users switch to a CFL whenever they need to replace a blown incandescent bulb, minimizing the initial financial impact.

- A 15-watt fluorescent is roughly equal to a 60-watt incandescent, but CFLs are 15 percent brighter. One CFL will save you about $8 a year in energy costs.

- Fluorescents generate 70 percent less heat, reducing energy costs related to cooling homes.

So how many lawmakers will it take to change the light bulb? Generally a simple majority. California needs 41 assemblymembers and 21 senators.

The Consumer's Edge is a twice-monthly column to help consumers in the marketplace. Ivan Penn can be reached at ipenn@sptimes.com or 727892-2332.

[Last modified August 25, 2007, 01:57:46]