Sunday marks the dawn of a new era of lighting.
The incandescent bulb as we know it is on its way out.
New federal standards that require bulbs to be more efficient are leading to the demise of the old 100-watter, with other wattages to follow.
But rest assured, panic-stricken public. New incandescents that put out the same amount of light but use 25 percent less energy are taking the old bulbs' place.
"Incandescent bulbs aren't going away. They're just getting better," said Noah Horowitz, senior scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council, a national environmental group.
That, plus an onslaught of even more efficient bulbs - those swirly compact fluorescents and high-tech LEDs - mean consumers now have more options to reduce their electric bills than ever before.
The new bulbs are more expensive - some significantly so. But, ultimately, researchers estimate the new government efficiency standards will save the typical household $100 to $200 a year in electricity costs.
The saving for homes and businesses nationwide could add up to more than $10 billion annually and avert the need for 30 new power plants, proponents say.
Expecting confusion, stores are ramping up their education efforts.
Lowe's is putting up informational signs and has produced an online video showing how to pick a new bulb.
Home Depot has scheduled lighting clinics on Saturdays throughout January. CFL bulbs are getting prime real estate at check-out counters.
For months, as consumers became aware of the standards that go into effect today, reports of bulb hoarding surfaced.
"I bought a lot ahead, as a matter of fact," Philadelphia retiree Elizabeth Mooney said. She likes the light quality and was worried about the alternatives.
Brad Paulsen, lightbulb merchant for Home Depot, said that in the last year, the company had an uptick in incandescent bulb sales.
There's still time for die-hards. The law applies to manufacturers and importers, so shoppers will still see old-style 100-watt incandescents for a few weeks or months in stores that have excess inventory.
But efficiency experts warn that cheaping out up front on bulbs may cost consumers much more in the long run because of the amount of electricity needed to light them.
The new standards have not come without political conniptions. Last year, Republicans sought to repeal them. They said an intrusive federal government didn't need to be nosing around in how people light their homes.
