If it is down to saving money on electricity then that would be a good kick off time. How would you feel if they changed the kick off time without notice to one that is not suitable to you say nap time just after you have been fed.

Has there been a proper press release informing the wider public yet, including the explanation as to why this decision has been taken?

The fixture list is the release and is available months before round one.

personally I prefer earlier kick off times ,for instance 1 PM.In the early part of the season at mid day it might be sunny and not too cold but by 4 PM it starts to get dark and much colder.I always assumed that the original reason for 3 PM kick offs for football and rugby ,was due to the old licensing laws, when pubs closed at 3 PM , so you could have a drink in the pub then go to the match.With modern licensing laws 3PM kick offs seem to be outdated.

I personally prefer earlier kick offs especially on a Sunday because then I can have my Sunday Dinner!

Yes I remember the club starting to KO at 3.30pm and the drinking up time reason is why it was done.

I like the idea of starting even earlier in Feb/march to catch a bit of sun. You could also argue starting a little bit later mid summer so its a bit cooler for the players.