Normally, the arrival of winter time allows us to sleep an hour later, which is generally appreciated. However, this is not necessarily such good news, according to an Irish researcher specializing in economics and energy.
The time change, a tradition well anchored in our habits, is however subject to debate. Aoife Foley, clean energy expert at Queen’s University in Belfast, has rekindled the flame of this debate by adding an economic dimension. According to his calculations, giving up thewinter hour would allow households to save up to €460 on their electricity bill.
The logic is simple: by maintaining summer time, daylight extends into the evening, thereby reducing electricity consumption linked to lighting and heating. This proposal seems all the more relevant as energy demand reaches its peak between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., a period during which the electricity network is heavily used. According to Foley, this measure could result in a 10% drop in energy demand during evening peak hours.
But that’s not all, the expert also points out the environmental advantages of this initiative. By reducing electricity consumption, we also reduce carbon emissions, a crucial element in the fight against climate change. In addition, the time change is often criticized for its effects on sleep and road safety; certain reports and surveys highlight an increase in road accidents and sleeping troubles during time change periods. Foley’s proposal, however, faces opposition. A UK government spokesperson refuted the claims, arguing that current daylight saving arrangements already allow for optimal use of daylight.
Discussions around the time change are not new. Since 2002, most countries in the European Economic Area have adjusted their clocks on the last Sunday in March and October. In 2019, the European Union Transport Committee voted to end the time change, but ultimately nothing was implemented. Will this study relaunch the debate?