In the early hours of this Sunday, November 3rd, both Cuba and the United States will transition back to standard time, also known as winter time. In Cuba, this adjustment will occur at 1:00 a.m., requiring clocks to be set back by one hour. Meanwhile, in the United States, daylight saving time concludes at 2 a.m. local time.
This shift, observed by numerous countries in the northern hemisphere, is intended to make better use of natural light in the mornings, despite resulting in earlier nightfall, as explained by Radio Reloj. The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) has highlighted that with the end of the daylight saving period, which has been in place since March, there is an opportunity for more efficient use of artificial light. They have urged citizens to conserve energy responsibly in homes and workplaces.
On social media, the UNE has cautioned that the time change will likely increase electricity consumption during the evening "peak" hours, a significant concern amidst the ongoing energy crisis in the country. Implemented regularly since 1963, Cuba's time change aims to cut down on fuel consumption and enhance energy efficiency, though for many Cubans, it also demands an adjustment in their daily routines.
The next shift to daylight saving time is scheduled for March 2025, contingent upon the current energy supply conditions on the island remaining stable.