When these incandescent bulbs get phased out in the next year

The demonstration project is intended to test the lights’ performance in windy and low-light conditions. “We’re not really worried about the panels charging,” said ODOT project manager Paul Christiansen. “We think that will be fine.” The real concern is how the lights will hold up in led linear lighting winds. The original lights have yet to be removed. “I’ve heard the plan is to remove the electrical system when we’re sure the solar-powered [system] will work,” Christiansen said.

According to Electrician Steve Benz, they are putting on an energy efficient clinic just educating the customers on the benefits of fluorescent to incandescent and the new products, LED. Fluorescent and LED bulbs can last anywhere from 10 to 40 years. That's much longer than the average 6 months with the old incandescent bulbs. “When these incandescent bulbs get phased out in the next year or so we're going to see the prices down as far as LED and fluorescent," said Benz. Lighting experts say you have until 2014 until its lights out for incandescent bulbs.

In his opinion, 100 watt incandescent light bulbs will no longer be sold in August, and all sales of incandescent bulbs will be phased out gradually. However, he says it's been a hard transition trying to get people to see the light and try the new bulbs.

But people had many of their questions cleared up about fluorescents and LEDs when they took advantage of the free information booth this Saturday.The energy efficient clinics will continue each Saturday in January at 10 am.And as they spread the word, electricians say they hope bulb by bulb people will start shining the way to a more energy efficient future.