Quick Answer: 2026 Time Change Dates
At 2:00 AM, clocks will spring forward to 3:00 AM
At 2:00 AM, clocks will fall back to 1:00 AM
Countdown to Next Time Change
Economic Impact of DST in Illinois
The economic implications of Daylight Saving Time in Illinois are significant and multifaceted. Retail businesses often report increased sales during DST months due to extended evening daylight hours, which encourages shopping and dining out. The tourism and recreation industries particularly benefit, with golf courses, theme parks, and other outdoor venues seeing revenue increases of up to 4%.
However, the transition periods create temporary disruptions. Studies estimate that the Monday following the spring time change results in approximately $519 million in lost productivity nationwide due to sleep deprivation and adjustment issues.
Agricultural Considerations
Farmers in Illinois have historically had mixed feelings about DST. While the original justification for DST included giving farmers more daylight hours, modern farming practices rely heavily on the sun's position rather than clock time. Dairy farmers particularly note that cows don't adjust their biological clocks, creating temporary disruptions in milking schedules.
Historical Context
- The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established the system of uniform Daylight Saving Time throughout the US.
- Germany and Austria-Hungary were the first countries to use DST in 1916 during World War I.
- Not all countries observe DST - only about 70 countries worldwide use it.
Energy Consumption Patterns in Illinois
Recent studies on energy consumption during DST in Illinois show modest savings of approximately 0.8% in electricity usage. However, these savings are offset by increased gasoline consumption as people take advantage of extended daylight for travel and recreation. The net energy impact remains a subject of ongoing research and debate among policy makers.
Tips for Illinois Residents
Take advantage of the 'extra' hour in fall to catch up on sleep or tackle a project.
Consider the time change when scheduling meetings with people in other time zones.
Use the extra evening daylight in summer for outdoor activities and vitamin D.
Set your clocks before going to bed to avoid confusion in the morning.
Why do we change clocks?
Daylight Saving Time was implemented to make better use of daylight during summer months, theoretically saving energy and providing more evening daylight for activities.
Do all states observe DST?
No, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe Daylight Saving Time. Some territories also opt out of the time change.
Is DST being eliminated?
While there have been various proposals to eliminate DST, as of 2026, most regions continue to observe the biannual time change.