Scheme to change energy use hurts vulnerable households

Potential pricing policies to support integration of renewable energy sources into electricity grids could leave the most vulnerable households facing greater financial burdens, new research has found. According to the study, charging more for energy usage during 'on-peak' times could disproportionately impact the health and finances of already vulnerable households. The study, which examined more than 7,400 households from the southwest United States, was led by Dr Lee White from The Australian National University. She examined 'time-of-use' rates, one of several measures that can change energy use patterns. These measures can help integrate higher percentages of renewable power into electricity grids and are cheaper to implement than alternatives such as batteries. But Dr White warns that while these policies are an important mechanism to integrate greener energy into legacy grid infrastructure, if not designed carefully they could leave some people feeling "financial shock".  "Vulnerable households are already struggling to balance energy costs with other necessities - like food and medicine," Dr White said. "We need to ensure we get these policies right, before we set them in stone.