, Columnist
The Curious History of a Forgotten Lightbulb Cartel
Today’s earth-friendly retreat from incandescent lighting comes with a historical warning label involving corporate collusion, planned obsolescence and a cartel named Phoebus.
Be careful what you wish for.
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Last week, the administration of President Joe Biden announced regulations that will make it all but impossible to sell old-fashioned incandescent lightbulbs. LED bulbs — far more energy efficient and able to last 50 times longer — will take their place.
Cheer if you like, but history provides a cautionary tale. Nearly a century ago, a group of manufacturers known as the Phoebus Cartel colluded to manufacture inferior, short-lived bulbs. This sorry episode helps explain why today’s well-intentioned regulations may backfire.