Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Too Hot to Not Eat Crow

During the cold months after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, we faced rolling blackouts due to the shortage of electricity that followed the meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Now that the summer heat is in full force, the increased use of air conditioning again threatens to max out Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO) ability to provide enough power.

To help keep us aware of the continued need to conserve energy and ever mindful that blackouts are again increasingly possible, TEPCO has taken to publishing online each day's power usage in a handy chart. Now the stress of blackouts isn't only reserved for when they happen, but it can be enjoyed all the time by worrying about the possibility of them happening... in real time! Thank you, TEPCO!

I have been too proud that I haven't used my heater or air conditioner since the March 11 disaster. Today, it is 90F/ 32C and I have just broken down and am using my air conditioner for the first time.

Eating crow and contributing to potential blackouts never felt so refreshing. Is this the beginning of the end?

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