On Air: Fukuoka City Information/2012.12.28(Fri)/11:00～

The cold of winter is here and people need power for heating. This means that there is large increase in the demand for energy. And, just as last year, it will be difficult to meet energy supply demands and so today’s message introduces a few simple things you can do around home to help conserve power.

First of all, wear warm clothing. Use things like shawls, cardigans, and wear layers. Also, please try to use heaters wisely. Keep your heat set at 20 degrees Celsius and use fans to help bring down warm air that has risen to the ceiling. Be sure to keep the filters in heaters clean as well as to keep the outdoor component of room heaters free from obstruction. Keep blinds and curtains closed, use insulation sheets and carpets, and use tape to seal up drafty doors and windows to help keep warm air inside.

You should also be aware that many appliances such as air conditioners, dryers and microwave ovens use over 1000 kilowatts. Please keep this in mind, especially during peak consumption times, from 8 AM to 11 AM and from 5 PM to 8 PM. It is also a good idea to unplug appliances when not in use.

You can also use your diet as a way to help stay warm. Eating things like Japanese hot-pot meals, or nabe-ryori in Japanese, warms your body both inside and out! The steam from the soup warms the air and gathering around with others in one place to enjoy the meal means that you can turn off lights in the other rooms of your home. And don’t forget, eating root foods such as Japanese daikon radish, potatoes, or ginger helps keep the body warm. Eating meals like these with a nice warm drink is a great way to keep warm!

And, for those using non-electric gas or oil heaters, please be sure to ventilate the room regularly, and don’t place combustibles like blankets or laundry near them.

If each of us tries to do our own part to conserve energy, it makes a big difference. Please, help with energy conservation efforts but always within reason. Do not inconvenience yourself economically or do anything that may put your health at risk.