This Sunday marks the start of daylight saving time for both Cuba and the United States, as clocks will be set forward by one hour. This change aims to maximize the use of natural daylight and reduce energy consumption. In Cuba, this adjustment is particularly significant given the ongoing energy crisis the country is facing.
According to René Páez Pérez, a senior specialist at the National Office for the Rational Use of Energy (ONURE) and the Ministry of Energy and Mines, shifting the clock forward allows for aligning peak social activities with natural daylight. This alignment helps to cut down on electricity usage. Páez Pérez further explained to the official newspaper Granma that peak electricity demand tends to decrease since cooking can occur with less artificial lighting. However, he cautioned that the use of ventilation equipment might rise due to high temperatures, necessitating efficient management of electrical consumption.
The specialist highlighted the impact of saving energy by noting that if a household delays turning on two 14-watt light bulbs by an hour, it could reduce consumption by 20 kilowatts over the entire summer. Nationally, the implementation of daylight saving time could reduce demand by around 112 megawatts.
Meanwhile, in the United States, most states will also move their clocks forward at 2:00 am on Sunday. However, territories like Hawaii and much of Arizona do not observe this change. Daylight saving time will remain in effect until November, when both countries will revert to standard time.
Authorities are advising citizens to adjust their electronic devices and prepare for how the time change might affect their daily routines.
Daylight Saving Time Impact and Adjustments
Why is daylight saving time important for Cuba?
Daylight saving time is crucial for Cuba as it aligns social activities with natural daylight, helping to reduce electricity consumption amid the country's energy crisis.
Which U.S. states do not observe daylight saving time?
In the United States, territories like Hawaii and much of Arizona do not participate in daylight saving time.
How can households save energy during daylight saving time?
Households can save energy by adjusting their schedules to use natural light more effectively. For instance, delaying the use of lighting can significantly reduce energy consumption.