Why is the hour change not the 26th of February instead of the 26th of March?

[From the Bunker]

I don't understand why we have to wait 4 extra evening starved weeks for the Hour change.?As well as energy savings, there is also the opportunity for kids and Adults to get out in the evening and for Clubs to get back to outdoor activities.

If you look at Sunrise and Sunset for the 26th of February it is perfectly set for the hour change! So why wait another 4 weeks?

[BennyCake]

Probably a conspiracy by the electric companies to charge us for more lights

[armaghniac]

Good question, time changes are not symmetrical around the solstice. Probably something to do with the colder weather.

[laoislad]

Ah there is a little stretch in the evenings as it is. It's nicer to build up to the long evenings IMO.
Plus would putting the clocks forward an hour now not make the mornings darker. It starts to get bright around 7am right now but it would be 8 if you put the clocks forward.
Another few weeks to wait seems about right to me.

[yellowcard]

Very good question.

[ONeill]

Heading to school in darkness then. Mayhem.

[bennydorano]

Farming is one of the major reasons. Catering for an Agrarian society of yesteryear.

[stiffler]

An hour less means less grants on RHI

Safer delaying it until after the election.

[seafoid]

Health and safety
or else insurance