The same people who can afford to drive a Volt (and have the limo pick them up when it runs out of charge) will be the ones purchasing this idiocy
(Washington Post) The U.S. government last year announced a $10 million award, dubbed the “L Prize,†for any manufacturer that could create a “green†but affordable light bulb.
Energy Secretary Steven Chu said the prize would spur industry to offer the costly bulbs, known as LEDs, at prices “affordable for American families.†There was also a “Buy America†component. Portions of the bulb would have to be made in the United States.
Now the winning bulb is on the market.
The price is $50.
Retailers said the bulb, made by Philips, is likely to be too pricey to have broad appeal. Similar LED bulbs are less than half the cost.
The L Prize was meant to ease this transition by enticing manufacturers to create affordable bulbs to replace the most common type, the traditional 60-watt.
I’m not against these types of alternative bulbs: I’d be for them if they were cost-effective. I’ve mentioned before that I had switched over to CFLs when they actually lasted quite a bit longer than a standard bulb. I liked that they saved me some $$$ and produced less heat (I had lived on the top floor of an apartment complex with a vaulted ceiling with little insulation. Not the best thing to be adding heat in a North Carolina summer). Who doesn’t want to save money? Didn’t have to be a Warmist to switch over.
However, with CFLs, you can waste some money finding the ones you like. A 60 watt replacement doesn’t necessarily put out the equivalent of a 60 watt incandescent. And, you might not like the light. Incandescents are easy: buy a frosted? Daylight (my preference)? Big round above the mirror? Etc? No matter the brand, all the same. CFLs? Not so much. Will we get the same with LEDs? I have two LED flashlights, different manufacturers. The light the put out is different. Same with the LED book light. Do you want to spend $25 or more, and, in this case, $50, to find out you hate the light it projects? Government has no business mandating this type of purchasing decision.
