Yokota prepares for regional power shortages during summer months

  • Published
  • By Airman John D. Partlow
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  As a result of damage caused by the March 11 earthquake, the Tokyo Electric Power Company expects power production shortages during summer peak load hours, weekdays from noon to 5 p.m.

In order to minimize regional power outages, TEPCO and the government of Japan are asking residents of the Japan to reduce energy consumption during these peak load hours.

According to base officials, Yokota Air Base, a customer of TEPCO, uses increased power during the summer as base residents and personnel cool their homes and offices. This increased consumption leads to greater strain on the Japanese energy grid and could cause black out or brown outs.

"As summer approaches, electrical consumption on base increases, which affects the ability of the power company to supply power to the rest of the island," said Staff Sgt. Rodney Dunn, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical systems craftsman.

To help alleviate our burden on the Japanese power grid and avoid possible power outages, Yokota residents and personnel should take the following steps during peak load hour, weekdays from noon to 5 p.m:

- Keep building and area temperature thermostats set to no lower than 78°F.

- Keep interior and exterior lighting to a minimum.

- Turn off and unplug non-essential electronics around your home and office.

- Save power consuming chores (laundry, vacuuming, cooking) for before or after peak load hours.

Base leadership call on all members of Team Yokota to step up and help reduce Yokota's power consumption this summer.

"We must be 'all in' on this effort to cut back our power consumption. Only by acting together will we meet this summer's challenge," said Col. Otto Feather, 374th Airlift Wing commander. "Before we reach for that thermostat, we have to consider what level of cooling we really need."

Colonel Feather added that this effort is part of Yokota's continued commitment to help Japan as recovery efforts continue.

"In these challenging times we remain committed to supporting the people of Japan as their nation recovers from this event. Our neighbors outside the gates are doing their part to reduce their power use and we must do the same."

Stay tuned to the Yokota Air Base page on Facebook for regular power conservation updates. To submit power saving ideas or provide feedback, contact the base energy management office at 225-7283 or e-mail energy.manager@yokota.af.mil..