On Air: Fukuoka City Information/2011.11.26(Mon)/19:50～

Your cooperation on saving electricity use is crucial this winter

The cold of winter is here and the demand for power this winter is going to be difficult to handle this year due to the nuclear power plant closure. The government and Kyushu Electric Power Company are asking the cooperation of the people in Fukuoka city in conserving energy use from now until the 30th of March.

In particular, the demand for power is greatest from 8 AM until 9 PM during the period of December 26th through February 3rd, and the city would like to ask its citizens to help work to conserve at least 5% more than last year during this period. However, it is also understood that such conservation may be difficult during the holidays, from December 29th through January 4th.

Here are some ways in which you can help conserve energy…

• Wear heavier clothing and keep your heater set to 20 degrees.
• Be sure to keep the filter of your air conditioning unit clean, and keep the area around the outdoor unit free from obstruction; avoid placing objects around it.
• Use Kairo heat packs or hot-water bags.
• Keep blinds and curtains closed while using heaters.
• Place carpets and insulated padding on floors.
• Use tape to help seal drafty windows and doors.

Many household appliances use over 1,000 watts. Try to avoid using multiple appliances, such as microwave ovens, rice cookers, washers and dryers, and hair dryers, at the same time, especially between the hours of 5 PM to 8 PM.

Also, when using gas or oil heaters, be sure to periodically ventilate the room and bring in fresh air. In addition, in order to reduce the possibility of fire, please do not place clothing near such heaters.

If you would like to know more about what you can do to help conserve energy, please check out the December 15th, “Fukuoka Shisei Da-yori” publication.

Again, within reason, please help conserve energy as much as possible.

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