According to a joint statement issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS), the decision aims to prevent an increase in power supply disruptions—estimated at 126 megawatts (MW)—during the evening peak demand period.

Of that total, 76 MW represents savings from reduced use of artificial lighting, while 50 MW comes from solar photovoltaic energy generation during that same period.

The measure is being adopted against a backdrop of fuel shortages for electricity generation, which Cuban authorities attribute to the tightening of the U.S. economic blockade and an “energy siege” against the island.

By keeping clocks set one hour ahead, sunrise will occur later according to official time.

In order to lessen the impact of this change on social activities during the early hours of the day, authorities have ordered a 30-minute delay to the start times for schools and workplaces between November 1, 2026, and March 14, 2027—a period when standard time would otherwise be in effect.

The statement specifies that heads of entities, in agreement with labor unions, may adjust work schedules in accordance with Article 223.2 of Law 189 (the Labor Code, dated July 30, 2026), without affecting workers’ wages.

In facilities that operate on a continuous basis, start and end times may also be adjusted—in line with the nature of their specific activities and processes—to mitigate any drawbacks resulting from the continued application of summer working hours.

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