Mechanicsburg, Pa. - Many people don't know it, but the federal energy bill that became law about two years ago means it will be lights out for most incandescent light bulbs in a few years.

When Ritter's True Value Hardware opened in Mechanicsburg 100 years ago, the incandescent light bulb was already about 25 years old. Now people are buying more energy efficient bulbs like halogen, LED's and fluorescents.

"Yes I have fluorescents," said Ed Crouse of Shermans Dale. "I have several in the basement because every now and then, we forget to turn them off and it's a lot cheaper with the fluorescents."

A fluorescent light uses 70 percent less electric than an incandescent bulb. Within four years, all bulbs sold will have to be at least 25 percent more efficient than incandescent.

Fluorescents do cost more. A pair of 60 watt equivalent fluorescents is $6.99, while a pair of incandescent 60 watt bulbs is $2.49. Fluorescents last much longer.

"People like the long life from them," said Jack Ritter of Ritter's True Value. "You don't have to change that same bulb where you need a step ladder."

Energy efficient bulbs are expected to become even more popular over the next two years when caps on the state's electric rates are lifted.

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