Utility companies often receive federal and state assistance, as well as mandates, requiring them to actively promote energy conservation programs. Recently, many electric providers have started promoting energy efficient light bulbs to home owners and small businesses, often by selling these bulbs at reduced costs.

From this article, there are two things that you should learn. First, as your light bulbs burn out, you should replace them with energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs when possible. Second, if your electric supplier does not have a program which makes these bulbs available at reduced costs, call the utility and find out why they do not.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs cost much less to use than traditional incandescent bulbs because they require much less energy for light production. Also, since less energy is required, the need for energy production is reduced, which means that the bulbs are less taxing on the environment.

The bad news is that the bulbs have a mangled pitchfork look that some people may not appreciate. Since the bulbs have a distinct appearance, homeowners may not want to use them in more visible locations. And, because the bulbs have bulkier bases,it seems hard to find these new bulbs for some, smaller fixtures.

Also, some reports have suggested that manufacturers tend to overstate the light production generated by compact fluorescent bulbs. If light output is a real concern at a particular location, you might wish to purchase a compact bulb with an advertised higher light output than you think you really need for the spot.

Enough about the bad news. Other than these small misgivings, this is really all good news. I suggest that you begin a light bulb replacement program. Don't replace every bulb at one time. Rather, begin with the bulbs that are most frequently used. For example, you might want to start with outdoor porch lights, hallway lights, and central room lighting fixtures. Then, gradually replace other bulbs when they burn out.

According to a study by Wattwatchers, a research group at the University of Texas, the amount of energy wasted by incandescent light bulbs is substantial. Quite startlingly, only 10 percent of the energy consumed by an incandescent bulb actually produces light. The remaining 90 percent generates heat, that is wasted. If you doubt this, try touching an incandescent bulb that has been on for a short while. You cannot.

In contrast, compact fluorescent bulbs use nearly all of the consumed energy for light production. This is why you can touch a fluorescent bulb after it has been in use for a while.

These newer bulbs cost more than the tradition bulbs, generally $10- $15 per bulb, but usually pay for themselves in one year and last several years.According to Wattwatchers, homeowners may save about $57 per year for every 10,000 hours in which a compact fluorescent bulb has been in use rather than a standard incandescent light.

For several years, the federal Department of Energy has actively promoted these bulbs for commercial and residential use. According to one of its studies, homeowners can save 35% in lighting costs if they make the switch. Indeed, the DOE has recently embarked on a program to convert bulbs used in its Washington headquarters to compact fluorescent lighting.

Some electricity providers are making these bulbs available at reduced prices. For example, Eastern Utilities, which services about 300,000 Massachusetts customers, will send customers four coupons, each worth $10.00 off the price of a new bulb. You can also save $20 off a new fixture, although very often a new fixture is not even needed.

Another Massachusetts supplier, TMLP actually leases these bulbs to its customers, and will replace them for life. And Northern States Power of Minnesota has made these bulbs available at wholesale prices.

So what have we learned? First, do what I have done and what many hotels have done --make the switch. Second, call your electric company if it is not offering a compact light bulb savings incentive program. Tell them IRED sent you.

The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.

Stuart Lieberman, Esq., and IRED.Com, Inc., will not accept any responsibilty for any reliance on the information in this column or any damages whatsoever resulting from reading this column.