For the seventh consecutive year, Brasil will not have daylight saving time. The decision was confirmed by the Ministério of Minas and
The assessment, conducted by Comitê of Monitoramento of Setor Elétrico (CMSE) and by Operador Nacional of Fatores how the popularization of air conditioning equipment and the change in peak demand times were decisive for maintaining the suspension.
The federal government reinforces that the priority is to guarantee the security and stability of the Sistema Interligado Nacional (SIN), especially given the challenges posed by climate change and the transition to a cleaner energy matrix. Novas evaluations on the topic will continue to be carried out periodically, but, for now, the clocks will not be moved forward in the country.
Technical analysis informs the decision
The main justification for not resuming summer time lies in the change in the electrical consumption profile of the Brasil. Estudos technicians detailed by the ONS point out that the peak in energy demand, which traditionally occurred in the early evening, moved to the middle of the afternoon, around 3 pm. Esse phenomenon is mainly attributed to the intensive use of air conditioning units and other refrigeration equipment at times of greater heat, neutralizing the benefits that advancing the clocks provided by taking advantage of sunlight at the end of the day. The energy savings, which were already significant, became marginal and, in some cases, null, not justifying the operational costs and social impacts of the measure.
Furthermore, the CMSE analysis considered the current robustness of the Brazilian electrical system, which has evolved significantly over the last few decades. The diversification of the energy matrix, with the increasing participation of renewable sources such as solar and wind, has changed the dynamics of electricity generation and distribution. Photovoltaic generation, for example, reaches its peak precisely during the day, coinciding with the new peak consumption time. Portanto, the strategy of setting clocks forward to save energy generated by thermoelectric plants at night has lost much of its strategic relevance for the security of the national energy supply.
The transformation of the Brazilian energy matrix
Brasil is experiencing a moment of profound transformation in its energy matrix, a crucial factor in the decision to keep daylight saving time suspended. The accelerated expansion of renewable sources, especially solar and wind, has changed the paradigm of electricity generation in the country. Diferente of hydroelectric or thermoelectric plants, whose operation is more controllable, solar and wind generation is intermittent, depending on weather conditions. Essa new reality requires more complex and dynamic management of the electricity grid by the ONS. Solar energy, which today represents a considerable portion of installed capacity, offers a large volume of electricity during the day, precisely when consumption reaches its peak. Essa coincidence between high solar generation and high afternoon demand reduces the need to shift nighttime consumption, which was the central objective of summer time. Manter standard time facilitates operational planning and system predictability, ensuring greater stability and security for supply throughout the national territory.
History and the end of an era
First implemented in Brasil in the 1930s, daylight saving time was consolidated as a public policy from the 1980s onwards, becoming an annual practice in a large part of the country. The main objective has always been to alleviate the load on the electrical system during peak night consumption, taking advantage of natural light for longer and reducing the need to activate thermoelectric plants, which are more expensive and polluting.
However, from 2017 onwards, studies commissioned by the MME itself began to question the validity of the measure. The analyzes already pointed to the change in the consumption profile and the drastic reduction in energy savings generated. The efficiency of the policy was called into question, opening a national debate about its real benefits.
The discussion culminated in April 2019, when then-president Jair Bolsonaro signed a decree that permanently abolished daylight saving time, although it provided for reevaluations. Desde therefore, the MME has maintained the suspension, based on technical opinions that annually confirm the low effectiveness of the measure in the current energy scenario.
Impacts on daily life and the economy
The absence of daylight saving time has a direct impact on the daily lives of the population. Para many, maintaining standard time is beneficial for the biological clock, avoiding sleep disorders and fatigue associated with adapting in the first days of the change. Especialistas in health frequently pointed out the negative effects of abrupt changes in routine.
On the other hand, sectors of the economy, such as bars, restaurants and tourism, historically defended the measure. The longer day meant more time for outdoor leisure activities, which could boost consumption and movement in these establishments. However, these sectors have adapted in recent years.
Retail trade also had a divided view. Enquanto Some argued that natural light at the end of the day encouraged after-hours shopping, others pointed out that the change did not generate a significant impact on global sales, just a redistribution of the customer flow.
The public debate on the topic has always been intense, dividing opinions. The government’s decision, by being strictly based on technical energy efficiency criteria, seeks to end this discussion, focusing on what is most strategic for the country’s electrical system.
Continuous monitoring of the electrical sector
Despite the decision to maintain the suspension until 2026, the Ministério of Minas and Energia make it clear that the issue is not permanently closed. CMSE and ONS carry out constant monitoring of energy supply and demand conditions throughout the Brasil. Fatores such as water crises, extreme heat waves or unexpected changes in the economic scenario can lead to a reassessment of policy.
This continuous vigilance is essential to ensure that the country has the capacity to respond to possible energy stress scenarios. The ministry reiterates that, if future studies point to a new scenario where daylight saving time is once again advantageous for the security or economy of the system, the measure may be reconsidered.
What replaces daylight saving time
With the ineffectiveness of daylight saving time, the focus of energy planning turned to more modern and structural alternatives. The government and sector agencies have invested in energy efficiency programs, encouraging the exchange of old equipment for more economical models, both in the industrial and residential sectors. Essas measures promote a permanent reduction in demand.
Another front of action is the modernization of electrical infrastructure, with the implementation of smart grids. Essa technology allows for more precise management of energy flow, optimizing distribution and reducing losses. The continued expansion of renewable sources is also seen as the main long-term solution to ensuring a secure and sustainable supply.
Outlook for energy demand
Brasil faces a scenario of continued growth in energy demand, driven by both economic development and extreme weather events, such as frequent heat waves. Garantir that supply keeps up with demand safely and at reasonable prices is the sector’s main challenge. The current strategy therefore focuses on robust, long-term solutions rather than stopgap measures like daylight saving time.
