On Air: Fukuoka City Information/2014.12.13(Sat)/09:00～

Here’s information from Fukuoka City.

The government’s call for a period of cooperation with energy conservation started this December 1st.

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 energy demands are expected to be met, there may be cases were excessive cold and/or other needs drive the call for energy up, making it difficult to cover demand. Fukuoka’s demand for energy in homes, places of work, like shops and such, is comparatively high. Fukuoka city would like to ask for the assistance of its citizens to reduce their power consumption.

Today’s message introduces a few simple things you can do around home to help conserve power. Let’s be creative and find ways to reduce electric energy at home.

You should be aware that during the winter season appliances such as air conditioners for heating have peak energy consumption times between 8 AM to 11 AM. Also household electricity use for lighting and such surges from 5 PM to 8 PM. You should also be aware that many appliances such as irons, dryers and microwave ovens use over 1000 kilowatts. Please make an effort not to use such appliances simultaneously during peak hours.

Also, 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. And, when selecting heated carpets and kotatsu, choose sizes appropriate for the entire area of your room. Furthermore, you can reduce energy usage if you use insulation mats underneath such carpets.

Electric pots should be kept at lower temperatures and water should be re-boiled only when you need hot water. And, unplugging appliances when you will not be using them for extended periods is also a good way to cut back on electricity usage.

Keeping rooms sealed and insulated keeps them warm. However, please be aware that the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning also exist. It is important to occasionally ventilate rooms when using fan heaters and kerosene or gas stoves. It is also important to take precaution against fire. Be sure to keep things such as futon and laundry far away from electric heaters.

You can also reduce electricity usage in a variety of other ways, such as by changing regular lights to LED lights, and increasing the time the members of your home spend in one room and heating just that room.

The electricity conservation period will continue from 8:00 AM through 9:00 PM until March 31st of next year, excluding the end-of-year and beginning-of-year holiday season.

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.

That was information from Fukuoka City.