At Choose Texas Power, we aim to provide consistent, reliable information about energy plans. Our partners do not direct our editorial content, though we may reference their products in our posts. Read about how we make money to learn more.
Daylight saving time (DST) aimed to save energy and maximize daylight during World War I. After some back-and-forth, it was officially established under the Uniform Time Act in 1966. While the initial goal was to save energy, many wonder if DST is still effective today.
Want to save energy this fall and winter? Check out our fall and winter energy savings guide for expert tips to cut back.
The United States is divided about the future of DST. Many states want to make it permanent, while others want to return to standard time. Under the Uniform Time Act, states can opt out of DST, but they cannot permanently switch to it. Opting out would mean a state does not have to shift the clocks forward in spring and “fall back” in fall. Instead, the state could choose to stay on standard time year-round.
While DST used to help consumers save energy, studies have shown it has very little impact on modern-day energy usage. Since DST was first established, technological advancements have changed how and when consumers use energy. Today, most homes are filled with devices that consume energy around the clock, such as televisions, computers, and game stations.
Some opponents to DST also argue that it poses a health risk because it doesn’t align with the body’s natural circadian rhythm. A Johns Hopkins study found a connection between changing the clocks and an increase in heart attacks, strokes, and mood disturbances. The study points to less sleep as the culprit for this correlation.
Despite the health risks, many Americans enjoy the elongated hours of sunshine and want to keep DST year-round.
Yes, Texas currently observes DST and switches the clocks twice a year. However, Texas legislators passed House Bill 1393 in 2025, also called the “Texas Time” bill, to eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes. The bill is awaiting federal approval, as it is currently not allowed under the Uniform Time Act. If approved, this change would mean Texans wouldn’t switch their clocks twice a year; instead, they would stay on the summer schedule year-round. Texas isn’t alone in this pursuit — 18 other states have enacted laws to make DST permanent, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Almost every state has considered DST legislation, with more than 750 bills and resolutions hitting state legislature floors across the U.S.
There is no significant evidence to argue that daylight saving time saves energy today. While it used to help reserve fuel, the savings don’t translate into modern-day energy habits. But many people now enjoy the practice for the added hour of sunshine in the spring and summer.
Hawaii and parts of Arizona do not observe DST. However, many other states are pushing legislation to join them and end the practice. Some states wish to make DST permanent, while others want to keep standard time.
We gain an hour in the fall when the clocks fall back one hour and daylight saving time ends. At 2 a.m. local time, the clocks will switch back to 1 a.m.
Let us put the power in your hands with a new electricity plan.
