Two leading makers of lighting products showcased LED bulbs at Philadelphia’s LightFair trade show that are bright enough to replace energy-guzzling 100-watt light bulbs. The new bulbs will also be expensive, about $50 each, so the development may not prevent consumers from hoarding traditional bulbs.
Congress passed a law in 2007 mandating that bulbs producing 100 watts worth of light meet certain efficiency goals, starting in 2012. Conventional bulbs don’t meet those goals, so the law will prohibit making or importing them. The same rule will start applying to remaining bulbs 40 watts and above in 2014. Since January, California has already banned stores from restocking 100-watt incandescent bulbs. Incandescent bulbs waste most of the electricity that feeds them, turning it into heat.
