New year, new rules on light bulbs cause controversy

The new year begins in just a few days, and with it comes a new law on light bulbs in this country. The government is trying to encourage more energy-efficient bulbs. But some Southwest Floridians prefer the incandescent bulbs.

"They see light bulbs as an investment. They just want to screw in a bulb and they want light," said Jack Lurie of Tropical Hardware in Fort Myers. 

He says people are stock-piling the old incandescents, for fear of not being able to buy them in the future.

A law passed in 2007 says manufacturers must phase out the 100-watt bulbs in 2012, or make them much more energy-efficient. 

Bulb makers will have to do away with other watt bulbs in coming years.

"I don't like it one bit. If they have a new product, then put it out there and let us decide whether to buy it. But don't tell us, you have to do this. That is government intrusion," said Patty Eppler of Fort Myers. "I prefer the incandescents and I will stay with them as long as I can."

The government would like people to use the compact flourescent lights, CFL's, or the light-emitting diodes, known as LED's. 

Donna Croddy of Lee Lighting told WINK News: it is time for a change to a better technology than incandescents. 

"That is a 135-year-old technology. It's time. God bless Thomas Edison, but it's time," she said.

 The State Public Service Commission is expected to make a decision this week on an energy efficiency case involving Mon Power, that could save you a couple of bucks on your next electric bill.

Mon Power has apparently made several proposals that will help both residential and business customers lower their monthly electric bills.

Some of those savings can come by Mon Power offering rebates and other incentives to its customers for using electricity during off-peak times. The PSC approved a similar program for Appalachian Power Company earlier this year, and so far officials say their new energy efficient programs have helped save both customers and the company, money and energy.

One way the company did so was by providing customers with rebates when they buy compact fluorescent light bulbs, which that alone can help cut energy costs by about seven percent.

Not only do energy saving programs help cut consumers' electricity costs, but it also helps electric companies cut down on their production costs as well. Local Mon Power customers say they hope this proposal passes, and they see their electric bills drop.

"I think anything that would help the customers lower bills, benefits, anything that could just put a little more change in their pockets," said Peter Thompson, Mon Power Electric Customer.

Do you think regulators need to step in to ensure your electricity bills don't go up more than they should during peak usage seasons? Let us know, click here to answer our Facebook Question.