I live in a pretty big house with my wife and six kids. In an attempt to save some money I switched all the light bulbs to compact florescent bulbs. I was somewhat skeptical at first.

I got a letter from AEP today with an energy usage audit. This year I have used 10% less electrify than I did during the same period last year.

To the best of my knowledge nothing else changed other than the bulbs.

Does anyone else have a similar experience with these or am I just way off base?

I've gradually switched over to CFL, but I've added things that stay on all the time...computers etc. My energy bills have remained pretty constant throughout. Supposedly, CFL's use 60-75% of incandescent lights, and last 5 times as long. I can believe the energy savings, but my experience is that the new bulbs are only marginally better in terms of length of service......and there is the disposal factor to deal with. As the buldbs contain mercury, they are supposed to be disposed 'according to federal laws'.....ehhhhh. Generally though, I'm ok with them.