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This Sunday, Cuba and the United States will move their clocks forward one hour to begin daylight saving time, a measure aimed at making better use of natural light and reducing energy consumption.
In Cuba, the adjustment is particularly significant due to the energy crisis the country is facing.
According to the explanation given to the official newspaper Granma by engineer René Páez Pérez, a senior specialist at the National Office for the Control of Rational Use of Energy (ONURE) and the Ministry of Energy and Mines, advancing the clock by one hour allows for adjusting the times of greater social activity to daylight, which helps to reduce electricity consumption.
Furthermore, the peak demand tends to decrease, as cooking can be done with less artificial lighting. However, Páez Pérez warns that the use of ventilation equipment will increase due to high temperatures, which requires efficient management of electricity consumption.
The specialist also illustrated the impact of savings: if a household delays the turning on of two 14-watt light bulbs by one hour, it can reduce its consumption by 20 kilowatt-hours throughout the summer. On a national level, the implementation of daylight saving time could reduce demand by approximately 112 megawatts.
In the United States, most states will also move their clocks forward to 2:00 am on Sunday, although territories like Hawaii and much of Arizona do not observe this change.
The daylight saving time will remain in effect until next November, when both countries will return to standard time.
Authorities recommend that the public adjust their electronic devices and prepare for the effects of changes in their daily routines.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Transition to Daylight Saving Time in Cuba and the U.S.
When does daylight saving time start in Cuba and the United States in 2025?
Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 9, 2025. In Cuba, clocks will be set forward one hour at 12:00 midnight on Saturday, March 8, while in the United States, most states will make the change at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday.
What is the purpose of daylight saving time?
Daylight saving time aims to make better use of natural light and reduce electricity consumption. In Cuba, this measure is particularly relevant due to the energy crisis, as it is expected to decrease electricity demand by approximately 112 megawatts.
How does the change to daylight saving time affect the energy situation in Cuba?
Although the Cuban government promotes daylight saving time as an energy-saving measure, the time change appears more as a formality in the context of a crisis-ridden energy system. The constant blackouts and lack of electricity lead many Cubans to doubt its actual effectiveness.
What recommendations are given to adapt to the time change?
It is recommended to set manual clocks forward before going to bed on Saturday, March 8. Additionally, to minimize the impact on sleep, it is advisable to go to bed about 15 minutes earlier in the nights leading up to the change.
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