Nearly half of UK adults fear the clocks going back will increase their energy bills, with 76 per cent wanting to scrap the clock change altogether, reports smart lighting firm 4lite.
Marking the end of British Summer Time, the clocks will go back on Sunday, October 30 at 2am. However, a new poll by 4lite reveals 47 per cent of consumers expect the clock change will lead to higher e nergy bills as it will fall dark an hour earlier with a further 23 per cent believing it will be a catalyst for more road traffic accidents and 21 per cent linking it to higher crime rates.
According to the research, more than a quarter of consumers (26%) believe the clocks going back will have a negative impact on their mood and mental health. A third say they will go out less in the evenings because it gets dark earlier, with women most affected.
A total of 40% of women state they are less likely to go out in winter because it gets dark earlier, compared to 27% of men. A quarter of women (24%) admit they stay home more as they feel more vulnerable going out in the dark.
Ahead of the upcoming clock change, 4lite’s research suggests that three quarters of consumers (76%) think the twice-yearly clock change should be scrapped.
One in five (21%) say the practice is outdated and unnecessary and a further 17% cite it as being inconvenient. Less than 12 per cent of consumers say they would choose to keep the tradition with nearly 13 per cent remaining undecided.
Top five things that happens when the clocks go back
- Energy bills go up - 47.0%
- I go out less in the afternoons/evenings because it's dark - 33.9%
- My mood/mental health changes for the worse - 26.4%
- There are more traffic accidents - 23.4%
- Children have less time to play outside - 23.0%
Top 10 reasons for not putting the clocks back in winter
- It is outdated and unnecessary - 21.1%
- Inconvenience/hassle of changing the clocks - 14.7%
- Impact of the darker evenings on my mental health - 13.7%
- The saving on my energy bills - 9.7%
- Impact of the darker evenings on my family life - 8.6%
- Children coming home from school when it's getting dark/not being able to play outside - 7.9%
- Impact on my sleep pattern/body clock - 7.5%
- Disruption to my routine and schedule - 5.0%
- Impact of the darker evenings on my working life - 4.9%
- Having to drive in the darker evenings - 4.1%
Commenting on the findings, Kate Baker, light and wellness advisor, at 4lite, said: “The clock change is a ‘Marmite’ of British traditions and 4lite’s poll shows a real distaste for the clocks going back this October, bringing forward the onset of darkness.
“Darker evenings and shorter days inevitably lead to increased energy costs which will be felt even harder this winter with the energy price crisis. However, a few small changes can make a real difference and it can be as simple as changing a lightbulb.”
Kate explained: “Switching to an eco-friendly LED bulb can save £61 in energy each year compared to a traditional incandescent bulb and £40 compared to halogen. Across the home, this adds up to an annual saving of up to £611 for 10 bulbs.
“Smart lighting can save you even more thanks to the ability to set lighting schedules or pair with motion sensors so you’re only lighting your home when you need to as well as being used to boost wellbeing.
“The reduced levels of sunlight in the winter months can disrupt the body's internal clock and lead to feelings of lethargy and contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder. Smart lighting can be used to help regulate your body clock, automatically changing light tones and hues over the course of the day to mimic natural daylight, promoting wakefulness in the day and wind down in the evening.”
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