Kanto Region To Remain On Alert For Possible Power Shortages
The Japanese government has decided to extend its advisory indicating possible power shortages in Tokyo and surrounding areas by one more day.
The government on Monday issued the advisory for the first time under a new protocol for alerting people to possible electricity shortages recently put in place.
The measure followed an assessment that electric power reserve capacity in the Kanto region encompassing Tokyo may drop below 5 percent. This comes amid a spike in air-conditioner use due to recent scorching temperatures.
Government officials are calling on residents and businesses in the region to reduce energy use while continuing to use air conditioners appropriately to prevent heatstroke.
The officials are asking people to remain on the alert on Tuesday as hot weather is expected to continue. They say they may issue a warning if demand for power increases further or there is a problem with the power-delivery grid.
They say the critical timeframe for trimming power use is between 3 and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, especially from the hour after 4 p.m.