Japan Issues First 'Power Supply Caution' Due to Early Heatwave

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Japanese government issued its first-ever "Power Supply Tightness Advisory" on the 27th, considering the severe power shortage caused by the early heat wave.

According to NHK and other sources, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan forecasted that the power reserve rate in the Tokyo metropolitan area would drop to 3.7% between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM on the 27th, and issued the advisory the day before. The advisory is issued when the power reserve rate is expected to fall below 5%.

The Ministry requested households and businesses within Tokyo to use air conditioning appropriately while conserving electricity as much as possible from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on that day. In particular, they asked for strict energy saving between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The Ministry explained that although power companies have decided to increase the output of thermal power plants and expand power supply capacity, the power supply situation remains unpredictable.

One of the reasons for the unstable power supply is the early heat wave. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the daytime high temperature in Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture, reached 36.8 degrees Celsius the previous day, with observations at 11 locations nationwide exceeding 36 degrees Celsius.

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