The U.S. Department of Energy plans to phase incandescent lightbulbs out of use in favor of compact fluorescent and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs.
Last April, the DOE announced revised efficiency standards for lamps that would require the gradual phasing out of the traditional incandescent lightbulbs, which have been used to light homes since the late 1800s. According to the DOE timeline, conventional incandescent lightbulbs will no longer be available through retailers starting this summer. The department will gradually introduce civil penalties against manufacturers and private labelers knowingly distributing such bulbs.
