Japan switches off to avert energy crisis
Source: Agencies |
July 2, 2011, Saturday
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JAPAN began imposing energy restrictions on companies, shopping malls and other major electricity users yesterday to cope with power shortages caused by the loss of a tsunami-hit nuclear power plant.
Large factories, office buildings, universities and department stores in the Tokyo area must use 15 percent less electricity than a year ago.
Electricity is in short supply due to the shutdown of the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
The restrictions on power use from 9am to 8pm on weekdays will last until September 22, and violators face fines of up to 1 million yen (US$12,400).
The limit does not apply to households, but the government has urged them to also take steps to conserve energy.
"We ask their cooperation so that we can all overcome the energy crunch," trade ministry official Satoshi Koyanagi said. The government has already implemented energy-saving measures such as disabling extra elevators and turning off lights.
Tokyo Electric Power Co expects to supply 56.8 million kilowatts for Tokyo and its vicinity in July, short of an estimated demand of 60 million kilowatts. The company said its supply would be slightly less in August.
Conservation efforts, including turning off air conditioning, during Japan's hot summer have triggered concern about heat-related illnesses.
Large factories, office buildings, universities and department stores in the Tokyo area must use 15 percent less electricity than a year ago.
Electricity is in short supply due to the shutdown of the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
The restrictions on power use from 9am to 8pm on weekdays will last until September 22, and violators face fines of up to 1 million yen (US$12,400).
The limit does not apply to households, but the government has urged them to also take steps to conserve energy.
"We ask their cooperation so that we can all overcome the energy crunch," trade ministry official Satoshi Koyanagi said. The government has already implemented energy-saving measures such as disabling extra elevators and turning off lights.
Tokyo Electric Power Co expects to supply 56.8 million kilowatts for Tokyo and its vicinity in July, short of an estimated demand of 60 million kilowatts. The company said its supply would be slightly less in August.
Conservation efforts, including turning off air conditioning, during Japan's hot summer have triggered concern about heat-related illnesses.
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