I’m watching TV the other evening and I see a Target ad for a light bulb special. It was on sale for only $9. That sort of got my attention. I haven’t been buying any ObamaBulbs so I had no clue what they should cost. So, I did a little research.
Obama held a little contest. He gave $10 million to Phillips Electronics for their bulb design. The price of the winning bulb, $50. The target price for the contest, $8. The amount of money Phillips spent lobbying for the new bulb law. Lots. Click the link below and read all about the contest.
And if the government installs a conventional light bulb as part of the stimulus bill, it’s $8.
San Antonio — The cost for one light bulb – $8. And to install it – $1.99. That’s the bill local contractors are sending the federal government. And while we all know reducing energy use in your home is a good thing, News 4 WOAI Trouble Shooter Mireya Villarreal followed your stimulus dollars and found something you might consider misuse. Weatherization programs here in San Antonio have been around for years. But just recently, one of the programs was given $7 million in stimulus money and we wanted to know where the money is going. “They gave us new windows and new lights. Got a new energy efficient refrigerator,” Ralph Palmer told us. “They just did the roof like a month ago.” Ralph Palmer and Santiago Garcia live at the Babcock North Apartments. Federal stimulus dollars were recently used to weatherize the low-income four-plexes. Windows were caulked, light fixtures and bulbs were changed and, in some cases, old appliances were switched out with something more energy efficient. “Were you happy to hear all this stuff would get done for free,” News 4 WOAI Trouble Shooter Mireya Villarreal asked Palmer. “Yes I was,” he answered. “Yes I was. Cause I’m on a fixed income and it really helps out a lot on my light bill.” So, who pays for all this work? “Actually, AACOG has been doing weatherization work since 1979. So, this is nothing new for us,” Susan Lodge, AACOG Deputy Director, told us. The Alamo Area Council of Governments, AACOG, is the local organization in charge of a weatherization program that was worth $3 million. Most of that money came from the Department of Energy and the Texas Housing and Community Affairs Department. But last year AACOG was awarded $7 million in stimulus funds to help reduce energy bills.
It’s an Obama World… Gas in California is above $5 per gallon. 
A commuter drives past a gas station signage displaying current prices for self serve and full serve gasoline in La Jolla, California March 8, 2012. (REUTERS/ Mike Blake)
And, so-called “green” light bulbs cost $50 each… And they’re government subsidized! The Washington Post reported:
The U.S. government last year announced a $10 million award…for any manufacturer that could create a “green” but affordable light bulb.
Energy Secretary Steven Chu said the prize would spur industry to offer the costly bulbs…at prices “affordable for American families.”…
Now the winning bulb is on the market
Here’s the cost of the current ObamaBulb at Target, 2 for $29. It’s on sale, so get down to your local Target as fast as you can. Of course, the conventional 40 watt bulb is also on sale for $1.77.
