Virginia and West Virginia residents appear to be embracing energy efficient light bulbs.

That's the finding of an Appalachian Power survey that shows more than 62 percent of its customers in the two states have made the switch from incandescent bulbs that can use up to 75 percent more energy.

Appalachian Power is a subsidiary of Columbus, Ohio-based American Electric Power.

AEP economic forecasting director Mark Gilbert says the finding surprised the utility since it had previously estimated that up to 40 percent of its customers in the two states had made the switch.

The survey of 4,500 residents found that older and higher-income customers were more likely to use energy efficient bulbs.

Appalachian Power conducted the survey in August to help it determine energy efficient lighting trends.