A Lightbulb That Lasts Two Decades?

General Electric has unveiled a light bulb they say will last 17 years.

"This is a bulb that can virtually light your kid's bedroom desk lamp from birth through high school graduation," says John Strainic of GE Lighting.

The 40-watt light bulb named the "GE Energy Smart LED" is scheduled to become available to consumers in 2011. GE states that the bulb will consume 9 watts, provide a 77% energy savings and be approximately as bright as 40-watt incandescent bulb.

Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? Well, there is one slight hitch. Since these bulbs are supposed to last for nearly two decades, sales will plummet; but, prices will soar. What goes up, must come down or vice versa. Be prepared to spend between $40-$50 US a bulb. Yup, $40-$50 a bulb a pop.

What is even worse is that we might be legislated into buying these bulbs. Call me paranoid; but, I see the thin edge of the wedge happening here.

In April, the Canadian government announced it would ban inefficient light bulbs by 2012. The U.S. also plans to wean its citizens off inefficient light bulbs between 2012 and 2014.

Via torontosun.com