Springtime brings smiles and savings from extension of popular program
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the night sky still dark this Sunday, Daylight Saving Time (DST) will go into effect bringing with it evening sunshine that will last longer and savings for millions of American families on their energy bills. All from an extension of the program co-authored by Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee.
“Daylight Savings Time brings sunshine, savings and spring,” said Rep. Markey. “Springing forward not only saves consumers money, but also curbs the nation’s energy consumption which means lower energy bills, less pollution, and more reasons to go outdoors and enjoy the warmer weather. Time really is on our side during Daylight Savings Time.”
As part of the 2005 Energy Bill, Reps. Markey and Fred Upton (R-Mich.) amended the Uniform Time Act of 1996 to increase the portion of the year that is subject to DST, providing longer hours of daylight and helping consumers cut back on peak-hour electricity usage. The Markey-Upton Amendment extended the duration of DST in the spring by changing its start date from the first Sunday in April to the second Sunday in March, and in the fall by changing its end date from the last Sunday in October to the first Sunday in November.
The amendment required that the Department of Energy prepare a report evaluating the impact of the extended DST program. The key findings of the DOE report, issued in October 2008, included:
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