Compact fluorescents are so expensive - are they worth it?

According to statistics, if every home installed just 4 compact fluorescents, we would save as much electricity as power plants produce. Just one bulb during the course of its long, energy efficient life will save $40 to $50. That same bulb will save 630 lbs. of coal from being burned or 51 gallons or oil. It will prevent 1072 lbs. of CO-2 , 7.8 lbs. of acid rain, and 4.1 lbs. of smog from going into the atmosphere. They're worth it!