The end of incandescent light bulbs

It's coming. they will be phased out over the next few years. We've already started replacing them. [Link]

A little-noticed provision of the energy bill, which is expected to become law, phases out the 125-year-old bulb over the next four to 12 years in favor of a new generation of energy-efficient lights that will cost consumers more but return their investment in a few months.

The new devices include current products like compact-fluorescents and halogens as well as emerging products such as light emitting diodes and energy-saving incandescent bulbs.

"This will get us in line with the rest of the advanced industrial world in moving toward more efficient lighting," says Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., chairman of the Senate Energy committee and author of the Senate measure requiring the tougher standards.

The energy bill passed the Senate last week and is expected to clear the House this week. President Bush has said he will sign it.

Under the measure, all light bulbs must use 25 percent to 30 percent less energy than today's products by 2012 to 2014. The phase-in will start with 100-watt bulbs in January 2012 and end with 40-watt bulbs in January 2014. By 2020, bulbs must be 70 percent more efficient.