No. 9 Electricity supply and demand outlook and Inagi City’s heat stroke countermeasures

(Published in the July 15, 2012 issue of Public Relations Inagi)

　Summer has officially arrived again this year. In the current situation where nuclear power plants are shut down and there is not enough replacement main power generation available, the outlook for electricity supply and demand continues to be a concern as last year.
According to an announcement by TEPCO, the forecast supply for July 2012 is 57.86 million kilowatts, and for August 57.71 million kilowatts. On the other hand, the demand forecast for both July and August is 55.2 million kilowatts in the extreme heat case (temperatures similar to 2010) and 53.6 million kilowatts in the normal case.
Based on these numbers, the reserve margin (safety margin to prevent power outages even if demand exceeds forecast) for August 2012 is 4.5% in the case of extreme heat and 7.7% in the case of normal conditions. It is expected that a stable supply of electricity will be ensured this summer, and rolling blackouts can be avoided.
However, this forecast takes into account the power saving effects that everyone has been working on since last year. We continue to receive requests for cooperation in saving electricity to the extent that is within reason.
Although it is important to cooperate in these situations, I am concerned that excessive power saving may cause health problems, especially for elderly people who spend their days at home.
Therefore, Continuing from last year, Inagi City has decided to set up "cooling areas" at public facilities in the city this year as shelters to prevent heatstroke.
These services have been opened since July 1, 2012 at various cultural centers, libraries, general gymnasiums, welfare centers, and contact centers in the city, so please feel free to use them.
Rather than using an air conditioner to cool a room where you spend time alone, using an air conditioner in a room where many people gather will be more efficient and lead to overall energy savings.
Would you like to go out with your friends during the hot day without being cooped up in your room?