Highly efficient compact fluorescent bulbs may cost more than regular incandescent bulbs, but their efficient use of electricity and long operating life can offset the cost. Here’s how: Suppose your living room table lamp is turned on for 1,000 hours a year and your local electric utility charges eight cents per kilowatt hour. A regular incandescent 60-watt bulb will cost less to buy, but will need to be replaced at least once a year. Compare that to a 15-watt compact fluorescent bulb, which may cost you $10, but may last you as long as 10 years. And your savings don’t end there. The compact fluorescent bulb costs about $1.20 a year to operate, while the standard bulb costs about $4.80. The benefits of compact fluorescent bulbs? Lower operating costs, longer life, and a more efficient use of energy.