Workshops Focus on Dimming of Incandescent Light Bulbs

While customers likely will be able to purchase traditional 100-watt light bulbs for some time, congressional efficiency standards mandated in 2007 began Jan. 1 the gradual phaseout of incandescents.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 provides for phasing out the general incandescent light bulbs of yesteryear in favor of lower-wattage, energy-saving bulbs, according to The Washington Post, which published phase out dates, including those set for 2013 and 2014, and replacement options.

Incandescent 100-watt bulbs can no longer be manufactured or imported, but stores are allowed to sell bulbs already in stock, according to USA Today.

While corporations such as and are on board with the change due to customers' preference for energy-efficient goods, consumers are worried, according to the magazine.

State Sen. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, tried to block the federal legislation in Georgia, and said more expensive fluorescent bulbs . In addition to citing "The Land of the Free," he said 80 percent are made in China and shipped on tankers, which guzzle oil.

Its vice president of merchandising for electrical products commenting in an NPR interview on the importance of using energy-efficient bulbs—because lighting accounts for up to 20 percent of a home's energy cost— is offering workshops to educate customers about changes and a variety of bulb options.

The how-to workshops are set for 10 a.m. each Saturday of this month and include tips for installing specialty light bulbs, fixtures and dimmer switches.

Officials say the company's lighting department associates have been trained to answer questions about the phaseout and can help customers identify the light bulbs best suited to their needs.