Energy Conservation Compromises Health.

Any economic and conservation benefits associated with time-of-use electricity billing could be achieved at the expense of some of the most-vulnerable citizens in our society, asserts research from Ohio State University, Columbus.

Under a time-of-use system, energy prices are more expensive during high-demand "on-peak" times, a practice intended in part to create incentive for people to reduce their electricity use when it is extra costly.

The study shows that two vulnerable populations--those with disabilities who may be using life-saving equipment and elderly people more sensitive to temperature changes--saw the largest increases in their bills on the time-of-use rates, which also were linked...