Let There Be Light... Bulbs!

For the past few months, there have been in-store displays selling energy-efficient, long-lasting light bulbs for as little as 49 cents. That’s 49 cents for a compact fluorescent light (CFL) light bulb that normally costs $8 to $10. And there are other similar savings on other-sized bulbs. One sign said "cool bulb, hot price." We first thought the brown containers of bulbs were an overstock or other discount item. We were wrong. The light bulbs are part of an energy conservation program sponsored by the District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU). About 40 retailers have participated in the light bulb program, selling about 45,000 bulbs at sharply discounted prices.