Warning Label for Incandescent Power Costs

CFLs contribute less CO2, mercury and other pollutants than comparable incandescent bulbs and save money, yet many consumers are not aware of CFLs or their benefits. CFL manufacturers attempt to educate consumers through packaging labels but consumers either do not see the CFL products, or do not believe these facts.

I therefore feel regulations should require these facts to appear in a conspicuous location of incandescent bulb packaging. Additionally the same facts should appear in incandescent bulb product catalogues and advertisements either electronic or print.

While exact wording is an appropriate matter for debate, I offer the following starting point (for 100 watt bulbs).

WARNING: Each bulb in this package will cost $12.00 more in energy bills per year than a Compact Fluorescent Lightbulb of equal or superior light output (based on average use of 4 hours per day). The EPA recommends against the installation of this bulb in fixtures used more than 15 minutes per day.

Manufacturers would be allowed and encouraged to suffix this label with a list of suitable replacement bulbs. I would expect them to choose from their product line, and the only restriction would be that all listed bulbs must consume at least 70% less energy (or more than 50 lumens per watt).

I believe it is reasonable to ask all retailers to perform the necessary changes within a 9 month period following the approval of these regulations.