British Columbians unsure about purpose of Daylight Saving Time: Survey
Posted March 8, 2019 6:51 am.
Last Updated March 8, 2019 6:53 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – It’s almost time to spring ahead but it seems many British Columbians don’t actually know why Daylight Saving Time exists.
As we prepare to turn our clocks ahead on Sunday morning, a survey from BC Hydro has found 60 per cent of B.C. residents incorrectly believe its purpose is to provide more sunlight during office hours. Others said its only purpose was to take away an hour of sleep.
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Daylight Saving Time was actually first implemented in Canada more than 100 years ago as a way to conserve energy.
The survey also found 55 per cent would prefer if B.C. remained on standard time year-round.
“Several studies have found Daylight Saving Time electricity saving are negligible or non-existent,” read a release from the Crown corporation. “In fact, a recent study in Alberta found that it actually has the opposite effect, increasing energy use.”
BC Hydro is expected to release a report this fall that examines whether or not it actually saves electricity.
