On Air: Fukuoka City Information/2012.7.13(Fri)/11:00～

The air is getting hot and it is the season for using air conditioners and such. However, meeting this year’s energy demands is expected to exceptionally difficult. In order to deal with the shortage of power and avoid blackouts, the people are asked to help reduce energy needs, in comparison to last year, by 10% between the hours of 9 AM through 8 PM, weekdays, between July 2^nd and September 7^th. This excludes the period between August 13^th and 15^th. Furthermore, even though no numerical target value is set, people are asked to continue cutting back on energy usage even after the 7^th, until September 28^th. In order to achieve the target reduction in energy use, the government, industry, and the people must come together and work as one.

At home, there are three things you can do; Reduce, Reschedule and Replace. Reduce your energy consumption by not using electricity when you do not have to; unplug appliances when not using them, and run computers, TVs and refrigerators on “low-energy” settings if they have them.

Reschedule means avoiding energy usage at peak hours; that’s between 9 AM and 8 PM. Use major appliances during off-peak hours. It’s important that home appliances are not all on during the same time.

Finally, Replace. Replace is an alternative way to deal with energy shortage. Seek to replace older, less efficient appliances with energy-saver appliances or those that are powered by natural, renewable energy sources.

Fukuoka City is doing the Cool Share Fukuoka this summer. Cool Share Fukuoka is a call to gather in common, cool areas, so that household energy consumption can be reduced. For example, come out and enjoy historical museums, art museums and/or Children’s Plazas. You can get to know more about history and culture while enjoying the city’s fun and cool spots and help reduce energy need at the same time!

There are also plenty of Cool Share spots set up in business areas such as Tenjin and around Hakata Station, so be sure to come out to town and cool down!

You can also turn you home into a Cool Share spot. Make sure the members of your family try to stay in the same room and use only one air conditioner, instead of using multiple air conditioners in multiple rooms at the same time. It’s also a great way to enjoy quality family time! Make it happen!

And of course, while doing your best to conserve energy, please be careful not to go to extremes. Be sure you do not subject yourself to conditions that may cause heat stroke.