Time Is Energy

Getting CFLs into homes

Lots of folks know that compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL) are 75% more efficient than standard bulbs, but CFLs are both more expensive and different. This is called a switching cost, a common problem for a new product. To overcome switching costs marketing types come up with creative ways reduce switching costs and encourage people to try the product.

Recently I saw a notice that Oprah Winfrey (and later Home Depot) joined an effort by Mr. Luna to get every student in America to bring a CFL home. They have a long way to go, but they have made a start (5,500 CFLs).

I think a foundation, concerned with energy efficiency and the environment, perhaps in conjunction with a retail outlet could offer $1 or $2 (or more) off purchases of CFLs. The foundation would pay the retailer the difference per CFL for a set time period (1 day) or a fixed number of bulbs (say 1st 5000 sold). This is something a foundation (or even an individual) could sponsor without breaking the bank. The idea is to generate interest and sampling (nothing like a limited time sale/offer to capture peoples attention) so people can experience the benefits (and long term savings) of CFLs.

posted by Daniel @ 11:09 PM