10 percent of those surveyed. Sixty percent of the households queried had invested nothing in conservation. As for the rest, the average outlay per household was only $266; those most likely to invest were young and relatively affluent.
The lesson: Higher energy prices spur less affluent families to reduce their living standards, while only those who can easily afford it make lasting improvements. Renters, one-third of U.S. families, have little reason to spend anything on conservation. And during...