The increased demand for electrical energy due to high temperatures that prevail in the country has put in ‘check’ the National Electric Systemso the National Energy Center (CENACE) has had to perform scheduled blackouts to stabilize its operations.
Given this panorama, various specialists have analyzed whether the elimination of daylight saving time in Mexicosince October 2022, has been one of the reasons that increased the stress of the National Electrical System during peak hours of high demand.
It is necessary to remember that the change in schedule was intended make better use of sunlight during the months of greatest sunshine, so it was estimated that, with an extra hour of sun per day, it could generate energy savings.
Opinions on the subject are divergent, e.g. Ramses Pechpartner at Caraiva y Asociados-León & Pech Architects, explained how the electricity demand of Mexicans behaves, which is why he considers that the elimination of daylight saving time has had an impact on electricity generation.
“Between May and August there is the highest demand for electrical energy in the country, normally exceeding 45 thousand MW, while from September the demand begins to decrease, with respect to schedules, contrary to what one might think, the morning schedule It is not the one with the greatest demand, but from 7 at night,” he said.
At seven at night, people have normally left their jobs and schools, while restaurants and shopping centers turn on the lights to serve consumers.
In an analysis carried out by the specialist, it was observed that, during May 7, 2023, a peak demand of 46 thousand MW was recorded between 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., while this year, a demand of 48 thousand MW on the same day and time.
“We have one hour less of light, so people turn on the lights in their homes, schools or jobs in advance, as well as household appliances, air conditioning, fans and so on,” he noted.
COLLAPSE
THE CURRENT SCHEDULE IS NOT WORKING.
Having ONE HOUR LESS OF LIGHT IN THE AFTERNOON, HIGHER ELECTRICITY DEMANDIncreased thermal sensation, increased use of air conditioning equipment.
THE NORTHEAST area PRESENTS THE PROBLEM, AS THERE IS A HIGHER DEMAND THAN FORECAST. pic.twitter.com/Ny5qAVWyv0
— Ramses Pech (@economiaoil) May 8, 2024
By contrast, Odón de Buen Rodríguezformer director general of the National Commission for the Efficient Use of Energy (CONUEE), pointed out through his ‘X’ account, formerly known as Twitter, that the short answer is that the elimination of daylight saving time did not affectsince the blackouts began to occur during the last hours of the day.
“I like HV (Daylight Saving Time) and I am sure that it saves energy and reduces demand for an hour at night, however, the benefits have been reduced by a fifth with the improvement of the energy efficiency in lighting,” he said.
The short answer is that it would have made no difference since the problem occurred during the day. I like HV and I am sure it saves energy and reduces demand for an hour at night. However, the benefits have been reduced to 5th with improved EE in lighting https://t.co/bzKC5Z8xYm
— Odón de Buen R. (@ODdeBR) May 8, 2024
