incandescent lightbulbs

Compact fluorescent light bulbs are promoted because they use up to 75% less energy, last longer and cost less over time than incandescent bulbs. The average household reduces its energy budget by $12 to $20 a month using compact fluorescents.

ComEd customers snatched up nearly 1 million discounted compact fluorescent light bulbs from the energy provider this fall, a small step in phasing out incandescent light bulbs nationwide by 2014.

The transition could be made in the next 10 years, said Monique Barbut, chief executive officer of the Global Environment Facility.