Community Corner

Lights Out for Incandescent Bulbs?

Not right now, but soon. Various sizes of traditional light bulbs are being phased out through 2014 as production is stopped, to make way for more energy-efficient bulbs.

What would Thomas Edison do? The light bulb—that has lit the world since he invented it in 1879—is an endangered commodity.

New federal guidelines requiring more energy-efficient lighting products mean that by 2014, the old-fashioned standard incandescent bulb will be a thing of the past.

Putting these guidelines into perspective, ComEd said in a press release: “Traditional incandescent light bulbs will soon join the likes of clunky computer monitors, Betamax video tapes, dial-up modems, Walkmans and black-and-white TVs — they’ll be obsolete.”

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The reason is the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act, which sets new standards for consumer products, including appliances and lighting. Read the entire text of the act here.

The law requires manufacturers to produce new light bulbs that consume about 25 percent less electricity, making way for more innovative and efficient lighting choices, such as halogen bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or light emitting diodes (LEDs).

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The phase out of the old-fashioned incandescent bulbs began in January, starting with 100-watt bulbs. In 2013, 75-watt bulbs will no longer be produced and in 2014, 60- and 40-watt bulbs will join the “extinct” list.

ComEd is encouraging consumers to get a head start before the changes take effect by recycling old-fashioned bulbs and making the switch to energy-efficient bulbs, such as CFLs.

ComEd customers can learn more about energy-saving options on at comed.com, including information on obtaining discounts for select ENERGY STAR-qualified lighting products.

Customers can also talk with a ComEd energy-efficient lighting expert at certain home improvement stores.

In the west surburban area, ComEd representatives are scheduled to appear 8 a.m.-noon Sunday, April 15 at Home Depot, 2000 Butterfield Rd., Downers Grove. For a complete list of visits scheduled for April throughout Chicago and suburbs, click here.

“With all the recent federal changes in lighting standards, it’s more important than ever for customers to stay informed on lighting to make the right choice,” ComEd Energy Doctor Timothy Melloch said. “There are so many new lighting options for our customers to choose from and understanding those options is extremely important.”


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