The authorities are addressing people in Japan to conserve energy as the temperature droped. Here’s all you need to know about it.
Energy conservation and power cut problems
On Tuesday, Japan issued an emergency plea for conserving energy. The plea is addressed to businesses, citizens, and local authorities. It is also warning of potential blackouts as a massive earthquake idled several power plants. Additionally, the unseasonably cold weather is also boosting the power demand. Tokyo is currently witnessing snowfall and the temperature to 39 Fahrenheit.
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake off the northeastern coast in Japan is behind the problem. The same region experienced a devastating earthquake and tsunami back in 2011, cutting electricity for 2 million households temporarily.
Moves for saving energy across Japan
According to Tokyo Electric Power Company, two to three million households in the nation could lose power after 8 pm local time if the current power usage continues. “At this rate, we are coming closer to a state where we will have to conduct power outages similar to those that took place after the quake (last week),” stated Koichi Hagiuda. Mr. Hagiuda is the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry.
The minister, in a news conference called for an additional five or so percent of power savings every hour between 3 pm to 8 pm. Moreover, as per the ministry’s reports, this is equivalent to around two million kilowatts per hour. As a move towards conserving energy, Bic Camera, an electronics retailer turned off half of the TV sets in over 30 stores across eastern Japan. Retail giant Sever and I holdings stated that 8,500 7-Eleven stores are lowering their thermostats. Also, its Ito-Yokato supermarkets are dimming lights by 10 percent. Additionally, Nissan Motors is using its in-house power generator for around 13 hours.