Japan’s success in reducing energy use
smart meters are now widely used in Japan as tools for monitoring electricity consumption. I’ve even seen them on Tokyo trains, where commuters can monitor how well the city is doing in cutting demand for electricity. …
By reducing energy consumption, Japan will be well positioned to move forward with its ambitious plans to replace nuclear and fossil fuel generators with renewable energy technology.
Nuclear plant crisis creates new incentives for energy conservation, Renewable Energy Magazine, Richard Crume 26 Aug 11, “……….To address the potential energy shortages and avert blackouts, the Japanese government has taken several emergency steps. One is to encourage residents to reduce their indoor air conditioning to around 28ºC (82ºF). This voluntary program has been so successful that the government has had to warn residents not to over do it
Another step taken by the government is to require large industrial and commercial energy users in eastern and northeastern Japan (the areas most affected by power shortages) to reduce peak-time electricity consumption by 15 percent from a year ago. Violators are subject to fines.
To reduce peak energy consumption during weekdays, some manufacturing facilities have switched Thursday/Friday operations to the weekend, when electricity demand is less and rates are lower. And smart meters are allowing plant workers to instantaneously monitor electricity use – when consumption exceeds goals, nonessential uses such as office lighting and air conditioning are cut back.
Interestingly, smart meters not only allow managers to see electricity consumption in the plant, but plant workers can also keep tabs on headquarters electricity use. These smart meters are now widely used in Japan as tools for monitoring electricity consumption. I’ve even seen them on Tokyo trains, where commuters can monitor how well the city is doing in cutting demand for electricity. …
Can we learn new ways to save energy from the Japan crisis? If Japanese industry can cut back energy use by 15 percent in short order and with relative ease, could other countries do the same?…
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