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DST IN THE UNITED STATES

When it first appeared in the US, DST was called “War Time”. Although it was used during both world wars, it was after WW II that it began to be adopted during peacetime. Energy Savings? DST is touted as saving energy. If fewer artificial lights are needed, the country could save energy. The studies that have been done, especially the oft-quoted DOT study, show at best a small savings (around 1%), but there are many questions. Were savings in electricity offset by increased gasoline usage, as more people used evening daylight for leisure trips? Results are unclear. Not in Florida The studies that have been done were national studies, and didn’t specifically consider Florida. The rules are different here! In Florida, people will burn lights in the morning, because it’s still dark. If people get home earlier in the day, it’s still hot, so they will use the air conditioner more. The power consumed by air conditioners is much greater than lights. In Florida, DST could very well be increasing energy usage, not saving it. Back NextFloridaHatesDST.htmlMore_DST.htmlshapeimage_4_link_0shapeimage_4_link_1

Extended DST

Extended DST has been tried before, with disastrous results. During the energy crisis of the 1970s the nation went on year-round daylight time. Eight school children were killed in Florida traffic accidents within a few weeks, all in the dark mornings before school, sparking a nation-wide debate. Extended DST was dropped after one year.


Whether the deaths were attributable to DST or not, no one seemed to bring up the question “Why in Florida”? Is there anything about Florida that makes  this more likely?


Yes, for the summer, and much of the spring and fall, Florida has a later sunrise than other spots in the Eastern Time Zone. But no one mentioned it.


DST was originally called “Summer Time” for good reason. It makes no sense during the other seasons, anywhere.