The end is near for the standard filament style light bulb. In Europe, it has been officially banned. Existing supplies are allowed to be sold, but that will be the end. The U.S. has a plan for banning the bulbs in 2012.

This is a good reason to keep replacing the lights you use for general area lights with more efficient types. This incremental transition will be easier on your pocketbook.

Hope for improvements in LED's they are probably the next best bet.