Daylight saving time saved 2.477 megawatts.
Data was provided by the National System Operator, which also indicated a reduction in expenses of R$ 200 million for families; clocks were reset to zero this Sunday.
RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Daylight Saving Time, which ended at midnight on Sunday, resulted in a reduction in peak demand of approximately 2.477 megawatts (MW), according to information released by the National Electric System Operator (ONS) on Friday.
The reduction in energy consumption during the period was an average of 250 MW. "The 250 MW average reduction in energy consumption was incorporated into the storage gains during the period and, valued at an average cost of thermal generation, represents an avoided expense (for the population) of approximately 200 million reais," ONS reported in a statement.
The reductions in energy consumption, of 0,5 percent, and in peak demand, of 4,5 percent, were within expectations.
The main benefit of implementing Daylight Saving Time is the increased operational safety of the system, with reduced loads on the transmission network, greater operational flexibility for equipment maintenance, and a reduction in load shedding during emergency situations during this time.
(By Rodrigo Viga Gaier and Anna Flávia Rochas)