Summer time will only return if “there is evidence” of its need, says minister

The Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, stated this Wednesday (27) that there are no signs that it will be necessary to adopt daylight saving time in 2023. According to him, the reservoirs of hydroelectric plants are in the best condition for storing water of recent years.

“Summer time will only happen if there are signs and evidence of a need for security of supply in the Brazilian electricity sector. For now, there is no sign in this regard. We have the reservoirs at the best moment in the last 10 years”, said Silveira, informed the Brazil Agency.

Last week, the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants (Abrasel) expressed to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) its defense for the resumption of summer time. The last time Brazil had daylight saving time was in 2018. The measure was revoked by then president Jair Bolsonaro (PL) in 2019.

The minister stated that the government is evaluating, in some specific regions, the need to activate thermal plants. “The big challenge is the constant balance between contracting cheaper energy, to provide reasonable tariffs for the consumer, and guaranteeing supply,” he said.