Leïla Benali questions electricity savings argument for GMT+1, government study to be re-evaluated

Leïla Benali, the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, has publicly questioned the primary justification for adopting GMT+1: the reduction of electricity consumption. Speaking to the House of Representatives, Benali stated that initial data does not confirm this effect, especially during winter. She emphasized the complexity of evaluating the impacts of GMT+1, noting that consumer and economic behaviors evolve, rendering initial conclusions partially obsolete. This dynamic, coupled with structural changes in electricity system management, necessitates a thorough update of the government's study. Benali highlighted that GMT+1 does not yield consistent effects across seasons; in winter, no significant decrease in electricity demand has been observed, with some data even indicating an increase. These developments, she added, must be analyzed in light of transformations in the electrical system, including the gradual transfer of certain activities to regional multi-service companies. In response to these findings, the ministry, in coordination with relevant departments, has initiated a re-evaluation of the study on the additional hour. The goal is to produce a more precise analysis that considers new technical realities and usage patterns to inform public decision-making on updated bases. These statements come amidst a national campaign advocating for a return to GMT, which has gathered over 300,000 signatures, reflecting persistent public dissatisfaction wi