There are alternatives. Install a separate switch for the sink lights. Install compact fluorescents. What islands, Hawaiian, Chandeleur, Thousand, Aleutian?

Sherry,
Even in a room with adequate natural light and overhead lighting, your face can still be inadequately lighted or too shadowed from the overhead source be able to apply make-up or even appear to have a healthy glow. Ideally, you will have either over-sink lighting or sconces installed on either side of your mirror at around 66" for the most flattering light. You should not be operating these vanity lights for extended periods each day, so you may want to look at other rooms where lights are left on for long periods as the culprits.

AnnaLee

Most light fixtures will take the compact fluorescent bulbs now available everywhere. It's hard to imagine that a bathroom would be the source of high electric bills unless folks are leaving on the lights when nobody in in the room?

They are even making decorator CF bulbs, that one could likely use in that setting as well as throughout the house. It really does make a difference.

Just note that unless it is specifically stated, most CF's cannot be used with dimmers.

We are in Jamaica. We were there for 2 weeks, granted we had a full house, and the electric bill for the month was over US$1000. Good point re bathroom lights not being on that long. We are changing out the ceiling fans as well because many of them have the 3 lights. We are thinking of installing some solar panels but can't really spring for that right now. We're just trying to think of everywhere that we can make changes. We are looking into a tankless water heater instead of the water heater with the tank. By the way, we did change out to energy saving bulbs. Not sure it made a difference. Of course, I can't rule out that the electric company is up to hanky panky but there is no alternative.