Good move from "Down Under"

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | Australia pulls plug on old bulbs

I seem to remember that the incandescent bulb is a greater producer of heat than light and certainly would be a beneficial bulb for warm weather use.

[kennyw Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close kennyw]

If these laws were enacted today, within 30 days the power companies would raise rates by 25%, claiming the reduced usage reduced revenues to the extent that they could no longer make a profit. The same thing happened in the past when energy crises caused people to drastically reduce their consumption. Add the increased cost of flourescent bulbs and increased cost of power and I would rather keep my old bulbs. When the state starts paying my energy bills I'll change them.

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

I'm not sure that is a valid assumption with today's overtaxed power grid in most places. Even if it is so, it would certainly be more efficient to go fluorescent on a personal level, particularly in summertime. After all it is cheaper to go with existing power generating equipment than to add additional equipment, and rates are often regulated.

[kennyw Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close kennyw]

I agree flourescent is more efficient, but my "assumption" is based on factual history. Do you remember the energy shortage in the 70s? Everyone was urged to forego Christmas lights, Las Vegas dimmed the outside lights, etc. I l;ived in san Diego at the time and San Diego Gas and Electric did apply for a rate increase based on reduced usage cutting into their operating revenue.

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

Other good points are that reduced energy requirements make for less pollution, less reliance on foreign oil, and reduce the potential balance of trade deficit. Currently in CT we are paying the highest electric rates in the country- not so before deregulation began here, so there are many reasons why rates will be allowed to increase. I do remember the energy crisis of the 70's and since then have always bought economical cars after enduring most of it in a 8 cyl Buick. I'm about 85 % fluorecent now and it really helps more in the summertime by reducing the AC cost. It's also a nice thing not to change those ladder requiring bulbs anywhere near as often.

[Sydney Contributor - Bronze Find all posts View Profile Close Sydney]

I'd be happy to pay more to produce less pollution. I want my kids to have a habitable world in which to raise their kids.

Notwithstanding that, since the fluorescent bulbs uses 80% less elactricity, it's still a big savings in the bill even if prices do rise.