Just like those "Check Engine" warning lights in your car, the new CFL
lightbulbs produced beginning April 1, 2012 come equipped with a "Check
Bulb" warning light. When the bulb reaches a certain amount of hours of
usage (which will be read by circuits internal to the bulb), you will be
required to take the bulb to a service center and have the florescent
coating replaced, and the electronics tested, and reset to zero hours of
use. There will be a $10 fee for each bulb regardless of size or
wattage. If the consumer ignores the warning light, for more than 50
usage hours, a notification will be sent to their electric supplier by
the circuits within the bulb. The electric utility will then warn the
consumer that they have seven days to rectify the problem, or their
electricity will be disconnected.