President Lula (PT) is expected to decide this week on whether to reinstate daylight saving time. The measure was put up for discussion due to the record drought the country is experiencing and the arrival of the hottest period in most of the country. The measure, which moves clocks forward by one hour, was adopted annually in parts of Brazil to reduce energy consumption by making better use of natural light. Its readoption could have impacts in several areas, such as security, health, economy, energy, and more.
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Hydroelectric Plants
Droughts reduce the level of hydroelectric reservoirs, the largest source of electricity in the country. The heat increases the use of household appliances such as air conditioning and, consequently, increases energy consumption.
End of Daylight-Saving Time
Daylight saving time was abolished in 2019, the first year of Jair Bolsonaro’s government. At the time, the government claimed that energy savings were low and did not justify adopting the measure.
Low Energy Savings
Experts are unanimous in saying that daylight saving time saves little electricity over the period. Cláudio Sales, president of the Instituto Acende BR — an observatory for the electricity sector in Brazil — estimates that the savings will amount to just 0.5%.
Impact on the Population’s Biological Cycles and Security
Experts also point out that there is an impact on the population’s biological cycles. With the clocks set forward by one hour, not only does it get dark later, but it also takes a little longer for dawn to arrive, compared to normal times. Therefore, especially workers who wake up early may leave their homes while it is still dark, unlike what normally happens. In addition to affecting the health of some of these people, the change also represents a security risk, since the streets tend to be less safe in the dark.
Helps the System at Critical Times
Although, overall, daylight saving time saves little energy, the measure helps the national electricity system at a critical time: the beginning of the night. This is because, when night falls, some plants that make up the country’s system, along with hydroelectric plants — such as wind and solar plants — generate less energy.
Effects
The possible return of daylight-saving time in Brazil would tend to have different effects on other economic activities. It could benefit bars and restaurants, increasing revenue by up to 50% between 18:00 and 20:00 during the week. However, it would negatively impact airlines, forcing adjustments to international flight schedules, resulting in additional costs for rescheduling departures, connections, and relocating staff.
Analysis:
The reinstatement of daylight-saving time in Brazil, currently under consideration by President Lula (PT), seeks to alleviate pressure on the national electricity system amid severe drought and increased energy demand. The measure, which moves clocks forward by one hour, could help distribute the electrical load more evenly and provide a small relief to the capacity of hydroelectric reservoirs. However, the expected savings are modest and may not justify the costs and impacts associated with the change.
In addition to the limited energy benefits, daylight saving time can have significant adverse effects. The alteration of the population’s biological cycle, with workers leaving home while it is still dark, can affect public health and safety. Thus, the decision on whether to reinstate daylight saving time must carefully consider both the benefits and potential costs.