LED bulbs hit 100 watts as federal ban looms

Manufacturers show off new high-wattage bulbs, but high cost means hoarding of traditional ones likely to continue

NEW YORK (CBS News) - Two leading makers of lighting products are showcasing LED bulbs that are bright enough to replace energy-guzzling 100-watt light bulbs set to disappear from stores in January.

Their demonstrations at the LightFair trade show in Philadelphia this week mean that brighter LED bulbs will likely go on sale next year, but after a government ban takes effect.

The new bulbs will also be expensive — about $50 each — so the development may not prevent consumers from hoarding traditional bulbs.