Brazil may reinstate daylight saving time to address power generation issues caused by a severe drought affecting hydroelectric plants. Learn how this move could alleviate energy pressure.
BollywoodFever: Brazilian authorities are expected to approve the reinstatement of daylight saving time, which was abolished five years ago, as the country grapples with a severe drought affecting its power generation capacity.
According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, this policy shift aims to reduce energy consumption as Brazil continues to rely heavily on hydroelectric power.
Despite the growth of wind and solar power in recent years, more than half of Brazil’s electricity still comes from hydroelectric plants.
The ongoing drought has impacted some of the country’s largest plants, particularly those powered by Amazonian rivers.
Reservoir levels in Brazil’s key Southeast/Center-West region, the main hydroelectric hub, are expected to drop below 50% by the end of September, as rainfall levels are less than half of the seasonal average.
Daylight saving time, abolished by former President Jair Bolsonaro in 2019, was previously used to extend daylight hours from November to February, reducing energy consumption during peak hours.
With solar power stations ceasing production as the sun sets, officials now believe that reinstating daylight saving time could alleviate pressure on the energy grid during the critical late afternoon period.
“The inclination is towards approving it,” one source said, noting that a study by Brazil’s national electric system operator (ONS) will provide the basis for the decision, but the final move will ultimately be political.
Mines and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira has acknowledged the possibility of bringing back daylight saving time.
He is expected to attend an energy committee meeting and address the matter at a press conference later on Thursday.
The move has garnered mixed reactions. Bars and restaurants have expressed support, with local association Abrasel noting that the extra hour of daylight could boost evening business, potentially increasing monthly revenues by 10% to 15%.
On the other hand, the aviation industry has raised concerns, as shifting the clocks would impact flight schedules and increase costs for airlines due to the need to adjust crew assignments and departure times.
Although it remains unclear when daylight saving time might be reinstated, the urgency is evident. “The reservoirs are not that low,” a source said, “but as we are in a severe drought and we don’t know what lies ahead, we need to save water.”
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