The Brazilian government has decided not to implement daylight saving time this year. Minister of Mines and Energy Alexandre Silveira announced this decision on October 16.
The announcement followed a meeting with representatives from the National Electric System Operator. Silveira stated that Brazil’s energy security is assured for the upcoming summer.
He explained that the country’s water conditions are slowly improving, but the situation will be reassessed for the 2025/2026 summer season. The minister emphasized the importance of considering daylight saving time as a policy option.
Daylight saving time has been a topic of debate in Brazil since its first implementation in 1931. It was consistently applied from 1985 until 2019 when the previous administration discontinued the practice.
The government cited changes in population consumption habits as the reason for its ineffectiveness. This year, the federal government reconsidered implementing daylight saving time due to severe drought conditions.
Brazil Opts Out of Daylight Saving Time for 2024. (Photo Internet reproduction)
Silveira acknowledged that Brazil has experienced its worst drought on record, although signs of improvement have emerged with recent rainfall in the Southeast and headwaters of important rivers.
Brazil’s Energy Outlook and Daylight Saving Time Debate
The minister highlighted that hydroelectric power remains Brazil’s primary energy source. He assured that planning measures taken over the past year have helped maintain reservoir levels at resilient indices, providing a sense of security.
Public opinion on daylight saving time remains divided. A recent Datafolha survey revealed that 47% of Brazilians favor the measure, while an equal percentage oppose it. The remaining 6% expressed indifference.
Another poll by Reclame Aqui and the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants showed 54.9% support for daylight saving time. Silveira explained that the peak cost-benefit period for daylight saving time occurs from October to mid-December.
Implementing it now would yield minimal benefits due to the required adaptation period for various sectors. The minister also noted that some countries adopt daylight saving time for economic reasons rather than energy security.
As Brazil continues to monitor its energy situation, the government remains open to reassessing the daylight saving time policy for future summers. For now, Brazilians will maintain their regular schedule throughout the upcoming summer season.
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