MASON CITY, IA - Homeowner John Sjolinder doesn't often have to buy light bulbs.
"Probably three or four times a year."
So for those heading to the store in the next few weeks they may be surprised. The 100 watts could be gone.
Linda Germundson, the Assistant Manager at Kramer Hardware says, "Once the manufacturers quit then the warehouse clears out, then our shelves clear out."
Federal law will require all light bulbs to be twenty-five percent more efficient, flipping the switch to the long-lasting, compact fluorescent.
On January first manufacturers can no longer produce the 100 watt bulb.
"We can still sell them until the supply is depleted and then once the 100 watts are gone they're gone."
The old light bulbs will continue to phase out with the 75 watt next year. But for homeowner John Sjolinder, that's not such a bad thing.
"The high efficiency fluorescents are a great way to go. I get along great with them and they putt off plenty of light, but they're becoming more powerful, they're actually getting better than they used to be."
He feels it's just time for something new and people will get used to it.
But Germundson explains the 100 watt is a classic and once people realize it's going away they're going to stock up.
