A Message from the Governor about Saving Energy and Electricity this Winter

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In response to the sharp increase in demand for electricity since the Great East Japan Earthquake, citizens and residents all over Mie are working with us to reduce energy use as a part of a prefecture-wide energy saving initiative.

Upon considering national energy saving measures and predictions about this year’s winter season, the Mie Prefectural Government has decided to set thermostats to a maximum of 19 degrees Celsius and turn off all unnecessary lighting in prefectural buildings. These measures are based on the ISO14001 Initiative, which aims to decrease energy usage 5% from 2010 levels.

We kindly ask you to reconsider aspects of your lifestyle or business practices in order to help us save energy this winter.

Here are some specific ways you can help us save energy during the following months:

[Households that mostly use air conditioning units for heating]

•   Dress in layers and set your air conditioning unit no higher than 20 degrees Celsius. (lowering your thermostat by 2 degrees results in a 7% reduction in energy use)
•   Turn off all unnecessary lights (4% decrease in energy use)
•   Unplug any appliances that you are not currently using. (1% decrease in energy use)

[Households that use mostly gas or oil heaters for heating]

•   Turn off all unnecessary lights (6% decrease in energy)
•   Lower the brightness setting on your television and turn it off when it is not in use. (Switching your television to “energy saving mode” and reducing use by 33% results in a 3% decrease in energy use)
•   Etc.

It is especially important to save energy between 9AM and 9PM every day.

Senior citizens, families with young children, and households in areas affected by Typhoon Talas (Typhoon 13) should decide for themselves what energy saving tips are realistic for their household to implement.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Eikei Suzuki
Governor – Mie Prefecture