The Cuban Ministry of Education will implement a 30-minute delay in the start times for all educational institutions beginning November 1. This change follows the government's choice to continue daylight saving time, foregoing the usual switch to standard time.
Due to the extension of daylight saving time, clocks will remain advanced even as the sun rises later according to the official time. This alteration is part of a series of announcements made by the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, who have canceled the anticipated time change scheduled for the coming Saturday.
In a statement shared on Facebook, the Ministry of Education emphasized that schools at all levels need to inform students, families, and staff about the specifics of this schedule adjustment and ensure that educational activities proceed smoothly in line with the academic calendar.
This decision emerges amidst Cuba's severe electrical crisis. The joint note from the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security indicates that maintaining daylight saving time will help prevent an increase in blackouts by 126 MW during peak evening hours. Of this, 76 MW is expected to result from reduced artificial lighting usage and 50 MW from better utilization of solar photovoltaic generation.
The first month of the 2026-2027 school year was plagued by power outages, transportation issues, and schools struggling without electricity. In Matanzas, one primary school experienced over 23 days without power due to a transformer malfunction.
Historically, Cuba has employed similar measures. From March 2004 to October 2006, daylight saving time was maintained continuously for over two years in response to a previous electricity generation crisis, during which blackouts lasted between six and ten hours daily, depending on the region.
The decision has sparked reactions of resignation and irony across social media. One user remarked, "It doesn't matter what time it is if we have no power at dawn or dusk." Another expressed frustration with the ongoing crisis asking, "Can someone explain when we'll hit rock bottom? We've passed the Earth's core and still see no end."
Understanding Cuba's Education and Energy Measures Amid Crisis
Why is Cuba maintaining daylight saving time?
Cuba is continuing daylight saving time to mitigate energy consumption and reduce blackouts during peak hours, as part of efforts to manage the current electricity crisis.
How are schools adapting to the new schedule?
Schools are adjusting by delaying start times by 30 minutes and ensuring that students, families, and staff are informed while maintaining the academic schedule.
What impact has the electrical crisis had on education in Cuba?
The crisis has led to frequent power outages and logistical challenges, impacting school operations and leaving some institutions without electricity for extended periods.