Gov't mulling limiting summer electricity use by major companies
TOKYO, March 30 (Kyodo) - The government is considering limiting the use of electricity by major firms to deal with anticipated power shortages this summer as Tokyo Electric Power Co. has lost some of its supply capacity following the giant March 11 earthquake and tsunami, government sources said Wednesday.
The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry and the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry have called on industry groups in their respective jurisdictions to voluntarily map out and implement energy-saving measures.
But if such moves are not enough to cover the anticipated supply shortages in the summer, the government will start to restrict power consumption by large-lot energy users, such as companies operating factories during daytime peak hours, the sources said.
The government will decide on whether to go through with the restrictions by the end of April, they added. If the plan is realized, it would be the first time for authorities to put a cap on power usage by industries, since 1974 during the first oil shock.
Electricity shortages are expected to reach up to 15 million kilowatts this summer, raising concerns about massive blackouts in Japan.
At the request of the government, the Japan Business Federation, known as Nippon Keidanren, will consider plans to save power by industries at the first meeting of its special committee on quake disaster reconstruction to be held Thursday, sources at the nation's most influential business lobby said. (Kyodo)
The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry and the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry have called on industry groups in their respective jurisdictions to voluntarily map out and implement energy-saving measures.
But if such moves are not enough to cover the anticipated supply shortages in the summer, the government will start to restrict power consumption by large-lot energy users, such as companies operating factories during daytime peak hours, the sources said.
The government will decide on whether to go through with the restrictions by the end of April, they added. If the plan is realized, it would be the first time for authorities to put a cap on power usage by industries, since 1974 during the first oil shock.
Electricity shortages are expected to reach up to 15 million kilowatts this summer, raising concerns about massive blackouts in Japan.
At the request of the government, the Japan Business Federation, known as Nippon Keidanren, will consider plans to save power by industries at the first meeting of its special committee on quake disaster reconstruction to be held Thursday, sources at the nation's most influential business lobby said. (Kyodo)
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