Abstract: An electronic time switch for switching a power source to a load, such as a lighting circuit, is disclosed, as well as a method for its use. An electric switch has an on and an off position for either connecting or disconnecting the power source to the load. A switch actuating means controlled by a microcontroller is connected to the electric switch and is adapted for actuating the switch into either its on or off positions according to a schedule. The microcontroller includes a clock means, a time update means, and a memory means for storing the schedule. The time update means includes a receiver for receiving a time signal from a time signal source, such as a WWVB radio broadcast, or from an earth orbiting satellite, such as a GPS satellite or the like.