Like anything else in computer/electronic land, it can be solved, but there is a cost associated with it.
Living in one of the few places sane enough NOT to participate in the DST scheme, I am still amused at the idea that folks think legislating the time of sunrise will make much difference in power use. If its sunny outside, or pitch black, the lights and AC systems in every office in America are on during business hours, and the number of those hours isn't going to change.
Good call on the Firmware. Forgot about that one.
I agree. The same would be true of homes as well.