Did you remember to spring forward last night?

We hope you enjoy your extra hour of light in the evenings (you did remember to set your clocks ahead last night, didn't you?)

But we wonder why we must go through this twice-annual ritual of adjusting our clocks.

Maybe it made sense during World War I when Congress used it to save money on energy bills. But now? Some studies have even shown it costs more money than it saves. People in an Indiana study spent more on air conditioning on hot afternoons and more on heating during the morning than they saved by not using electric lights as much in the evenings.

The extra light does get people out shopping, creating proponents among powerful retailers. President Bush in 2005 extended daylight-saving time by a month, and frankly there doesn't seem to be any likelihood of getting rid of it soon.

Oh well, there are worse fates. Northern Nevada has some glorious evenings, and the extra hour of light after work or school, we admit, does present a perfect time to take a hike, visit a park, get a round of golf in or read a book under a tree (much better uses, in our opinion, than spending the time on a couch).

We encourage you to use the clock-changing ritual for one other worthwhile purpose - as a reminder to change the batteries in all of the smoke detectors in your home.

• This editorial represents the view of the Nevada Appeal Editorial Board