The time shift is divided by about 50 years. We will switch to winter time overnight from Saturday 29th October to Sunday 30th. Initially, the time change was introduced to provide less light in the evenings. After the oil shock of 1976, President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing was looking to save money. At the time, this measure made it possible to reduce oil consumption. Over time, more efficient lighting systems changed the game.

Today, only 0.07% of annual electricity consumption can be saved by changing the clock. According to a British study, living in the summer can lower bills and take advantage of a little more sun in the evenings. “In Great Britain, the highest rate of consumption occurs between 4pm and 7pm. If light is reduced at this time, households can save between €230 and €460 per year”According to Aoife Foley, professor of clean energy at Queen’s University in Belfast (Northern Ireland). This position divides Europe, where the sun does not set at the same time everywhere.