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New $60 Light Bulb Designed To Last 27 Years

BOSTON (CBS) - How much would you pay for a light bulb that lasts 27 years?

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports.

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Well, on Sunday, several retail stores will begin selling that bulb, made by Philips, in honor of Earth Day. All you need is $60. For one bulb.

The LED light bulb, which won a $10 million government contest, emits the same amount of light that a standard  incandescent 60-watt bulb does, but uses just 10 watts of power.

The bulb, if used three hours per day, is designed to last 27 years and save up to 80% in energy costs. So, is it worth it?

Local consumers told WBZ NewsRadio 1030 that $60 is just a bit too pricey.

"Because it's $60 for a light bulb. That's a lot of money!" said a woman. "My light bulbs last a long time, and they're not $60."

Philips Earth Day Bulb
(Photo From Bulbs.com)

"I think that's way overpriced, and even light bulbs that's supposed to last a long time generally don't. They usually blow out for some electrical reason or whatnot," said a man.

The light bulb won the "L-Prize" competition, which was launched when President George W. Bush signed The Energy Independence and Security Act into law in 2007. The legislation challenged companies to come up with alternatives to one of the biggest energy-wasters: the 60-watt incandescent lamp.

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