Daylight Saving Time - what savings?

I must admit that I don't like that I had to change all the clocks at my home again today. And I don't like doing it twice a year as the part of British Columbia I live in observes the Daylight Saving Time (DST). With the electronics taking control over us, whether we want it or not, every home appliance comes now with a clock and almost none of them updates automatically (only those in the computers do).

Twice a year - in April and October - I have to change 2-3 clocks in every room - in some rooms even more.

I've heard many senior citizens complaining about this time changing process as a huge nuisance. Every time they have to ask somebody to do that for them.

I also have two issues with these alleged - in my opinion - savings.

1/ has anybody done any research to find out if there are any real savings in hydro use - both by public and the industry? Any other savings?
2/ if there are any savings, has there been any negative impact of that time change measured and researched, taking for example the objections mentioned above?

But I have one more important concern about the DST. It has to do with our children. Because of the DST they are losing one full hour of daylight time - time during which they could stay outside, enjoy fresh air and sun, play games, etc. Instead of that they have to stay inside and do what - lay on the couch, watch TV, etc.

For me, that whole DST is totally unnecessary and the kids are losing most.

If it were up to me, I would never vote for DST - too annoying and I don't see any real savings.

Interesting article on history and use of the DST was published by Infoplease. Its author, John Gettings writes that some important parts of the world don't participate in the DST idea - e.g., Hawaii and Arizona in USA, Saskatchewan in Canada, whole Japan, China and most of Australia.

Do we really have to? What do you think? Is DST used in your area? How do you like it?

Helen