No.9 Power Supply and Demand Outlook and Heat Stroke Measures in Inagi City

(Inagi Newsletter July 15, 2012 issue)

This year has also seen the full arrival of summer. With nuclear power plants halted and insufficient alternative core power generation prepared, there are concerns about the electricity supply and demand outlook continuing from last year.
According to Tokyo Electric Power Company's announcement, the supply forecast for July 2012 is 57.86 million kilowatts, and for August, it is 57.71 million kilowatts. On the other hand, the demand forecast for both July and August is 55.20 million kilowatts in the case of a heatwave (temperatures similar to those in 2010) and 53.60 million kilowatts in the normal case.
From these figures, the reserve rate in August 2012 (the safety rate that ensures no power outages even if demand exceeds forecasts) is 4.5% in the case of extreme heat and 7.7% in the case of normal conditions. This summer, it is expected that a stable supply of electricity can be secured, and planned power outages can be avoided.
However, this forecast incorporates the effects of energy conservation that everyone has been cooperating with since last year. We continue to request your cooperation in energy conservation within a reasonable range.
While it is important to cooperate in such situations, I am concerned that older adults, who spend their days at home, may suffer from health issues due to excessive energy conservation.
Therefore, Inagi City has decided to install "cooling spots" as heatstroke prevention shelters in public facilities within the city again this year, following last year.
The various Cultural Centers, libraries, Comprehensive Gymnasium, Welfare Center, and Friendship Center in the city have been open since July 1, 2012, so please feel free to use them.
Using air conditioning in a room where many people gather is more efficient and contributes to energy savings overall than cooling a room for just one person.
On hot days, why not go out with your friends instead of staying cooped up in your room?