NBC25 NEWS - While Allegheny Power's distribution of fluorescent bulbs has been making waves among its customers, the bulbs made waves in Congress last month.

President Bush signed a bill that would virtually ban all incandescent light bulbs by 2014.

If you've been hesitant to turn on to fluorescent bulbs, soon you won't be able to avoid it.

“You're going to have to learn to get used to the fluorescent bulbs because they're here to stay,” says Bill Morningstar, an employee at Lowe’s in Hagerstown.

President Bush signed a bill in December that phases in stricter standards for light bulbs to be more energy efficient starting in 2012.  Under this new law, by 2014, the incandescent bulb will be obsolete.

Initially the fluorescent bulbs do cost more.  A six pack of 60 watt fluorescents costs about $10, while an eight pack of 60 watt incandescents costs only about $4.  However, the fluorescents last longer, so you're getting a lot more use out of them.

“They last a lot longer, and they're cheaper on energy,” says Williamsport resident Trevor Jackson.

Alma McKenzie of Hagerstown adds, “So they’re supposed to last seven years, the other ones only last a couple months sometimes before they go.”

Morningstar says, “There is a dramatic price difference, but if you look at the labels on the bulbs, they will give you years of guarantee, the life of the bulb.  Incandescents you don't have any guarantee whatever how long the bulb will last.”

Morningstar says customer complaints about fluorescent bulbs usually revolve around the lack of options, like not being able to dim them, but he says technology is improving, and the bulbs have more capabilities than ever before.

“Now they're coming out with technology that they have instant on, the light bulbs that we received from Allegheny are instant on, there's no delay whatsoever,” Morningstar adds.

It’s a brightening option that may soon become the only choice.

Morningstar advised customers when buying a fluorescent bulb to remember that a 13 watt fluorescent is equal to a 60 watt incandescent.