Time is Running Out on 100 Watt Lamps

You have only about six more months to stock up on 100-watt light bulbs before the government ban goes into effect on January 1st.

These bulbs, which have been perfectly suitable for close to a century, have been banned in favor of compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) that provide less-pleasing light, are poisonous when broken and are unsuitable for jobsite applications - but supposedly can save the average home $50 a year in electricity costs.

The Department of Energy has made the assertion that by outlawing the 100-watt bulb, they're actually providing consumers with lighting choices. But the question remains, if the CFL is so great, then why does the government have to force people to use them?

Another option are LED bulbs that are bright enough to replace energy-guzzling 100-watt light bulbs set to disappear from stores in January. Their demonstrations at the LightFair trade show in Philadelphia earlier this year mean that brighter LED bulbs will likely go on sale next year, after the government ban takes effect.

The new bulbs will also be expensive — about $40 to 50 each — so the development may not prevent consumers from hoarding traditional 100 watt bulbs.