Daylight Saving Time in North Carolina

2026 Time Change Schedule

Time Until Next Change

Economic Impact of DST in North Carolina

The economic implications of Daylight Saving Time in North Carolina 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 8%.

However, the transition periods create temporary disruptions. Studies estimate that the Monday following the spring time change results in approximately $572 million in lost productivity nationwide due to sleep deprivation and adjustment issues.

Energy Consumption Patterns in North Carolina

Recent studies on energy consumption during DST in North Carolina show modest savings of approximately 1.2% 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.

Preparation Tips

✓ Set your clocks before going to bed to avoid confusion in the morning.

✓ Use the phrase 'Spring forward, fall back' to remember which direction to change your clocks.

✓ Update your car clock, microwave, and other manual clocks that don't auto-update.

✓ Gradually adjust your sleep schedule a few days before the time change to minimize disruption.