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Do You Know Why We Have Daylight Savings

Do You Know Why We Have Daylight Saving Time?

Mar 8, 2019 | 10:05 AM

This is the weekend we set our clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Saving Time, but a new survey by BC Hydro shows most British Columbians — 56% — would rather stay on the same time year round.

Hydro says its survey also shows most residents do not know why we change our clocks.

“Daylight Saving Time was first implemented in Canada more than 100 years ago as a way to conserve energy; however, about 60 per cent of British Columbians incorrectly believe its purpose is to provide more sunlight during waking hours,” says a news release from Hydro.

“Others believe it exists to provide more working hours while some just think it costs them an hour of sleep – with 35 per cent saying the time shift has a negative effect on them. Fifty-six per cent British Columbians would prefer if B.C. remained on standard time year-round.”

Hydro will be releasing a report this fall on if the practice saves electricity or not, with some studies saying it doesn’t.

“Several studies have found Daylight Saving Time electricity savings are negligible – or non-existent. In fact, a recent study in Alberta found that it actually has the opposite effect, increasing energy use,” says the release.

Daylight Saving Time will last until Sunday Nov. 3 when we will put our clocks back one hour.