On Air: Fukuoka City Information/2013.12.28(Sat)/09:00～

The cold of winter is here and people need power for heating. This means that there is a large increase in the demand for energy. And, although there is expected to be sufficient energy to meet needs, meeting those needs is still difficult. 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 drafts around doors and windows to help keep warm air inside. It’s also said that the higher the humidity, the warmer it feels. Fight the dry, cold air of winter by keeping plants around and using humidifiers. This also helps prevent colds.

You should also be aware that many appliances such as air conditioners, dryers and microwave ovens use over 1000 watts. Please keep this in mind and try not to use them at the same time, especially during peak consumption times, from 8 AM to 11 AM and from 5 PM to 8 PM. Unplugging appliances when not in use also helps reduce energy consumption.

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. Eating meals like these and having nice warm drinks 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.

The amount of energy consumed in Fukuoka City by shops, business and households is high. 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.

For further information, please contact the Global Warming Countermeasure Section of city government by phone at 092-711-4282.