The Kyushu Electric Power and government-requested power-saving period that began on Dec. 3, 2012 will come to close on Mar. 29. Demand for power peaked at 14.32 million kW on Feb. 8, falling well below the anticipated peak of 15. 37 million kW. Even during the high demand months of January and February, excess capacity topped 10%, raising questions about anticipated demand. Kyuden’s calculations were based on the last winter’s cold temperatures, but according to the Fukuoka Meteorological Observatory, January and February temperatures were typical, despite a colder than usual December. Kyuden also remarked that the power-saving measures by households and companies were “more effective than expected”. Power consumption remained relatively stable throughout the power-saving period. It only reached the “critical” stage (95-97% usage) on two days (Dec. 10 & 11). The government plans to review winter power consumption data before determining whether or not power-saving measures are needed for the summer, but with no clear schedule on the resumption of its nuclear reactors, Kyuden will likely ask its customers to save power again this year. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, Mar. 26
