The federal government has decided not to bring back daylight saving time for the 2026/2027 season, following studies by the ONS and the MME, which concluded that the measure is not essential for the security of the power sector.
Expectations for the potential return of daylight saving time in Brazil have been officially dismissed for the 2026 season and early 2027. The decision, confirmed by the federal government, is based on in-depth analyses conducted by the National Electric System Operator (ONS) and deliberated by the Monitoring Committee of the Electric Sector (CMSE). Technical assessments concluded that there is no need to reintroduce the clock change.
This resolution brings an end to a long-standing debate, especially as the industry seeks greater operational flexibility in the power sector, with a focus on early evening peak demand. For readers engaged with clean energy and sustainability, the news signals a shift toward prioritizing structural solutions over temporary fixes.
Analysis and Planning Scenario
Historically, daylight saving time was viewed as a tool to mitigate the so-called “load ramp”—the rapid surge in energy demand at the end of the day that requires an agile system response. Although the ONS has acknowledged the measure’s potential to smooth out this curve, its implementation has always required comprehensive evaluation.
In November 2025, the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) had already urged the government to analyze the matter well in advance. The court emphasized the ongoing need for flexible resources during evening hours, regardless of any adjustments to the clocks.
2026 Strategic Power Agenda and Final Decision
Early this year, the discussion regarding daylight saving time was incorporated into the 2026 Strategic Power Agenda, approved by the CMSE. This planning framework gathers a set of actions to strengthen supply security and the system’s responsiveness. Among the strategies considered were increased availability of thermal power plants, early plant dispatch studies, and energy imports.
The recent update to this agenda provided the final conclusion. The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has consistently maintained that the measure is not a structural solution for the system’s power demands.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy emphasizes that daylight saving time “is not considered a structural solution for the system’s power requirements, and the latest studies by the ONS confirm that its reintroduction is unnecessary at this time.”
The original plan, which included 27 action fronts, reached 65% completion by the end of the second quarter, with 11 initiatives already finished.
Advances and Pending Challenges in the Sector
Strategic planning has already yielded significant progress. Capacity reserve auctions for both existing and new power plants were successfully concluded in March. Furthermore, regulations allowing thermal power plants to submit specific capacity bids and expanding the availability of merchant thermal plants were extended through April 2027.
Evaluations of early thermal plant dispatch and energy imports have also been completed. In March and April, an additional 40,926 MWh were generated by thermal plants in the South, and 65,095 MWh were imported, helping to preserve hydroelectric reservoir levels. Following these actions, the ONS identified no further immediate needs.
Looking Toward the Future of Energy
However, parts of the planning agenda require more time. The evaluation of solutions to increase the contribution of the Jirau and Santo Antôniohydroelectric plants during the dry season has been postponed to September. Defining rules to accelerate contracts for projects that won capacity reserve auctions was also pushed to the third quarter.
A study by the Energy Research Office (EPE) on a structural solution for gas supply to thermal power plants in the North region is ongoing, with a deadline also set for September. The procurement of battery storage systems, viewed as crucial for energy efficiency, was deferred to the fourth quarter, with two auctions scheduled for December.
For the remainder of the year, the agenda includes expanding consumer participation in demand-response programs and improving the management of surpluses in distribution networks. In August, the CMSE added a new front: preparing the power sector for the impacts of El Niño in the second half of the year, with completion expected in December, reinforcing the resilience and sustainability of the national system.
The decision not to reinstate daylight saving time reaffirms the MME’s commitment to long-term solutions for the country’s energy security. It reflects a maturity within the power sector to pursue more robust mechanisms, such as the modernization of hydroelectric plants, the expansion of renewable sources, and investment in energy storage technologies.
This strategic stance is essential for a more stable, clean energy future that is well-adapted to climate challenges, such as those caused by El Niño, ensuring a continuous and efficient supply for all Brazilians.
