Energy: 2 dimmable CFLs for 50 cents?

[CarlWohlforth]

Wow! Looks like PGE (the Northern CA Gas and Electric company) is subsidizing the sale of compact florescent bulbs again. This is the best deal yet at 25 cents each. These are cheaper than incandescent bulbs at the outset. They used to say CFLs are cheaper to run so you can save money in the long run after paying more to start. But these are cheaper to start!

They also are dimmable. Older CFLs would not work in fixtures with dimmers. So that kept them out of a few fixtures in our house. I just tried it out and yup, they are dimmable! I will check again tonight, looks like they may flicker a bit at the lowest setting.

Still CFLs are not the ultimate light source nor a complete solution to our major energy problems. There is mercury in the bulbs so they need to be disposed of properly. I'm thinking LED lights will replace CFLs in about 10 years when they become cheaper. LEDs last longer, run cooler are smaller and more efficient. They also produce nicer light in more colors!