Daylight saving, according to a program on Radio National recently, was introduced in Australia as an energy saving measure during times of austerity because there would be less usage of electric lighting, especially in factories and commercial premises, universities etc. However nowadays daylight saving has been calculated as energy neutral due to the widespread use of air conditioning and the far longer opening hours of businesses and shopping malls (who run air con and lighting despite what is happening outside). It is suggested that daylight saving will soon be energy negative as more and more households consider air con to be a standard not a luxury.
When I arrived in QLD in the late 70s only ONE family that we knew had air conditioning, and he was a rich factory owner. I still remember the astounded look on Reviled's face at the Bris case swap when he looked up from his pint and realised it was getting dark at 5pm :lol:
