Gov't urges energy saving in Tokyo as demand surges amid hot weather
KYODO NEWS
The government called on households and businesses in Tokyo and surrounding areas to reduce electricity usage between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday due to heightened demand as Japan braces for a lengthy and hot summer after an early end to the rainy season.
The call came a day after the industry ministry issued its first-ever power supply advisory urging people in Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc.'s service area to take energy-saving steps such as turning off lights that are not in use.
As the capital braces for potential shortages of increasingly expensive energy, Japan's weather agency announced Monday that the rainy season in Tokyo and neighboring areas appears to have ended, marking the shortest season since data became available in 1951.
People wearing masks walk outside JR Tokyo Station amid high temperatures on June 27, 2022. (Kyodo)
But, despite the calls for power saving, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is still urging continued and appropriate use of air conditioners due to the heightened risk of heatstroke.
TEPCO's service area covers Tokyo and eight nearby prefectures, including eastern Japan's Kanto region which endured record-high June temperatures on Saturday and Sunday. High atmospheric pressure has continued into Monday and numerous regions in the service area are expected to see temperatures of 35 C or higher.
The power supply advisory is issued when an area's reserve power supply capacity ratio is projected to fall below 5 percent. The lowest level necessary for stable supply is said to be 3 percent.
For Monday, the reserve rates are forecast to be 4.7 percent from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 3.7 percent from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The advisory could be upgraded to a stricter warning if temperatures rise further, leading to tighter supply and demand conditions.
Other major electricity suppliers across Japan, including Tohoku Electric Power Co. which serves the country's northeast and central Japan's Chubu Electric Power Co., are expected to see significant demand this summer.
Reserve rates in July are projected to be 3.1 percent in the Tohoku, Tokyo and Chubu areas, and 3.8 percent in regions including western and southwestern Japan.
The ministry's system for power usage advisories was introduced following a review into the response to high demand in March this year when a powerful earthquake in the country's northeast region caused some power plants to halt operations.
KYODO NEWS
The government called on households and businesses in Tokyo and surrounding areas to reduce electricity usage between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday due to heightened demand as Japan braces for a lengthy and hot summer after an early end to the rainy season.
The call came a day after the industry ministry issued its first-ever power supply advisory urging people in Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc.'s service area to take energy-saving steps such as turning off lights that are not in use.
As the capital braces for potential shortages of increasingly expensive energy, Japan's weather agency announced Monday that the rainy season in Tokyo and neighboring areas appears to have ended, marking the shortest season since data became available in 1951.
People wearing masks walk outside JR Tokyo Station amid high temperatures on June 27, 2022. (Kyodo)
But, despite the calls for power saving, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is still urging continued and appropriate use of air conditioners due to the heightened risk of heatstroke.
TEPCO's service area covers Tokyo and eight nearby prefectures, including eastern Japan's Kanto region which endured record-high June temperatures on Saturday and Sunday. High atmospheric pressure has continued into Monday and numerous regions in the service area are expected to see temperatures of 35 C or higher.
The power supply advisory is issued when an area's reserve power supply capacity ratio is projected to fall below 5 percent. The lowest level necessary for stable supply is said to be 3 percent.
For Monday, the reserve rates are forecast to be 4.7 percent from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 3.7 percent from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The advisory could be upgraded to a stricter warning if temperatures rise further, leading to tighter supply and demand conditions.
Other major electricity suppliers across Japan, including Tohoku Electric Power Co. which serves the country's northeast and central Japan's Chubu Electric Power Co., are expected to see significant demand this summer.
Reserve rates in July are projected to be 3.1 percent in the Tohoku, Tokyo and Chubu areas, and 3.8 percent in regions including western and southwestern Japan.
The ministry's system for power usage advisories was introduced following a review into the response to high demand in March this year when a powerful earthquake in the country's northeast region caused some power plants to halt operations.
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Summary
Government urges energy conservation in Tokyo due to increased demand amid hot weather. First power supply advisory issued. TEPCO's service area, including Tokyo and surrounding prefectures, faces potential energy shortages and high temperatures. Advisory could escalate to a stronger warning if