What to Do and How to Do it: A Guide for

Energy-Efficient Living

May 2011

Edited by the Japan Center for Climate Change Actions

(Editorial assistance provided by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment)

Household Edition

Contents

1. Introduction 1

2. Basic Facts about this Year’s Power Shortage

2.1 How Large will the Power Shortage be this Summer? 2

2.2 “When” and “Where” is Electricity Used? 3

2.3 “When” Should Power be Conserved? 4

2.4 Where in the House is Electricity Used? 5

3. Effective Ways of Saving Power: Power Saving 21 for the Summer 6

4. Let’s Get Down to Details

4.1 Things to be Careful of: Power Saving and Risks

(1) Air Conditioning and Heat Stroke 7

(2) Refrigerators and Food Deterioration 8

4.2 Save More Power Using a Multi-Pronged Approach 9

4.3 A Power Saving Simulation: A Model of 15% Power Savings 10

1

1. Introduction

We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to all those who were affected by the Great

East Japan Earthquake.

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) continues to be unable to supply sufficient electric

power due to the impact of the disaster, which resulted in suspended operations at many

power plants. Moreover, a massive power shortage is anticipated as we enter the summer

months, which are the most power-intensive of the whole year.

TEPCO is striving to increase power supply through a variety of methods. However, supply

remains inadequate, and both industry and households are being asked to curtail energy usage.

At present, roughly 30% of electric power is used by households. This means that not only

can you help with the power shortage by cutting down on power consumption at home, but

you can also contribute, even slightly, to preventing air pollution and carbon dioxide

greenhouse emissions in exhaust gases from thermal power plants.

We have heretofore worked to save energy in the household sector in order to build a

“low-carbon society” that does not emit carbon dioxide that causes global warming. We are

now striving to leverage this experience through joint action so that you can save power using

effective methods.

We have created this manual to enable you to reduce energy consumption via effective

methods so that you can enjoy the summer in somewhat cleaner air and free from worries

about power outages. Please read through it. Finally, rather than making your energy-saving

changes just something you will do specially for this summer, let them spur lasting

power-saving efforts that will reach into the future and contribute to the prevention of global

warming.

May 13, 2011

Joint Action Committee on Energy Saving, TEPCO Service Area Center for Climate Change

Actions

2

2. Basic Facts about this Year’s Power Shortage

2.1 How Large will the Power Shortage be this Summer?

TEPCO predicts it will be able to supply somewhere between 55,200,000 kW and 56,200,000

kW this summer.1

So how much power will be required? The following graph shows an estimate of hourly

power supply on the day this summer on which TEPCO power will be used the most. The

peak is from around 9:00 to around 20:00, reaching a maximum of about 60,000,000 kW of

power consumption.

In other words, if the temperature rises this summer like it did last summer and a similar

amount of power is used, there will be a predicted electricity shortage of approximately

5,000,000 kW.

*1

Electricity Supply-Demand Emergency Response Headquarters, Ministry of Economy, Trade and

Industry; document released on May 13, 2011

Electricity Supply-Demand Emergency Response Headquarters, Ministry of Economy,

Trade and Industry; document released on May 13, 2011

Estimate by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy

[Daily Power Demand in Summer

(Day of Maximum Demand)]

Ten

s of

thousa

nds

of

kW

Time of day

Total demand

Households

3

2.2 “When” and “Where” is Electricity Used?

From May into the summer, electric power consumption gradually increases, and in recent

years the period from July through September has been when the most power was used during

the year.

Moreover, at present, 31% of the power produced in Japan is used in households.

Power Usage during the Year

(Maximum Power Consumption by Month)

Power Demand on Peak Days Last Year (Estimated)

1988年度

2001年度

2008年度 2009年度

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

4月 5月 6月 7月 8月 9月 10月11月12月 1月 2月 3月

（万ｋW）

1988年度

2001年度

2008年度 2009年度

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

4月 5月 6月 7月 8月 9月 10月11月12月 1月 2月 3月

（万ｋW）

Modified from View of TEPCO by Numerical Tables, FY2010

Source: How to Reliably Avoid Power Outages in the Summer: Power Saving

Activities in the Household Sector Hold the Key

News release by Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc. (April 21, 2011)

(Tens of thousands of kW)

FY2001

FY2008 FY2009

FY1988

Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar.

59,990,000 kW

Industry

Businesses

Households

Time of day

Ten

s of

thousa

nds

of

kW

4

2.3 “When” Should Power be Conserved?

In the peak period from 9:00 to 20:00 when the most power is used on summer days, thermal

power plants fueled by oil and gas were drawn on heavily even before the Fukushima Daiichi

(No. 1) and Daini (No. 2) Nuclear Power Plants were shut down. The electricity produced by

the thermal power plants at night is also used to draw up water for hydroelectric power, and

the water is in turn used by pumped-storage hydroelectric power plants to produce power in

the daytime.

This means that by saving power in the summer from 9:00 to 20:00, we can reduce the

amount of oil used in power generation, thereby contributing somewhat to cleaner air and

helping to prevent global warming. Furthermore, by conserving energy even after the peak

ends at 20:00, the nighttime power can be used for hydroelectric power as reserve energy for

daytime peak demand.

Daily Power Generation by Time Period

Source: View of TEPCO by Numerical Tables, FY2010

General hydroelectric

power Reservoir type

Balancing reservoir type

Pumped

hydroelectric power

Oil

Power for

pumping

Daily demand

curve

LNG, LPC, and other

gases

Coal

Nuclear

General hydroelectric power (run-off-river)

(Time of day)

5

2.4 Where in the House is Electricity Used?

In households, much electricity is used in air conditioners, refrigerators, lighting, and

televisions. The time when the most power is used is around 21:00. Since the overall peak

period of power consumption (see pg. 3) is from around 9:00 to around 20:00, households can

reduce power usage especially during the peak after 16:00 by striving to conserve energy.

Power Consumption in Households by Use

Graph of Average Daily Household Power Load by Use

(Tokyo Metropolitan Area, Summer 2005, Weekdays)

(Source: Overview of Power Demand (Estimates for

FY2003), Agency for Natural Resources and

Energy, FY2004)

Note: This is an estimate of yearly power

consumption.

Analysis of survey on power and hot water demand structure and its response to air temperature and daily

load characteristics within the Tokyo metropolitan area

Modified from Research Report Y08054 (October 2009), Socio-Economic Research Center, Central

Research Institute of Electric Power Industry

(Source: Electricity Supply-Demand Emergency

Response Headquarters, Ministry of Economy, Trade

and Industry, document released on May 13, 2011;

estimate by the Agency for Natural Resources and

Energy; figures assume day of maximum demand)

Others

Air

conditioner

Refrigerator

Lighting

Television

Heated carpet

Warm-water cleansing toilet seat

Clothes dryer

Dishwasher/dryer

What household appliances use a lot of

power?

Air

conditioner

Refrigerator

Television

Lighting

Warm-water cleansing toilet

seat

Computer

Standby

power

Others

Total washing machine

Total information-related

devices

Total audio/video-related

devices

Total television

Total microwave oven

Total dishwasher

Total refrigerator

Total air conditioner

Others (lighting, etc.)

6

3. Effective Ways of Saving Power: Power Saving 21 for the Summer

The following Power Saving 21 list for the summer summarizes energy-saving measures that

are effective in curtailing morning and nighttime power usage in households. The list seeks to

recommend actions that are sustainable because they can be taken without inconvenience, and

that do not cost very much.

Power Saving 21 for the Summer

Area Type No. Countermeasure

Exterior

Heat

shielding,

insulation,

etc.

1 Apply a heat-insulation sheet with air layer to the windows (or

install inner windows)

2 Hang a reed screen or bamboo blinds outside

3 Sprinkle leftover bathwater around the outside of the house in the

morning and evening

Living

Air

conditioner

4 Make use of electric and hand fans

5 Set the air conditioner to 28°C

6 Close curtains/blinds when using the air conditioner

7 Gather family members in one room while using the air conditioner

8 Clean the filter on the air conditioner (about twice a month)

9 Limit the time of air conditioner use as much as possible (turn off

one hour before sleeping, and so on)

10 Make the air conditioning space smaller by closing doors and

sliding doors while the air conditioner is in use

Lighting

11 Replace incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent or LED bulbs

12 Limit the length of time during which lighting is used as much as

possible

Television 13

Reduce television viewing time (rather than just leaving the TV on,

limit it to the specific programs you want to watch, and so on)

14 Adjust the television screen so that it is not too bright

Kitchen

Keeping

warm 15 Do not use the hot-holding function on electric pots

Cooking 16 Do not use the hot-holding function on rice cookers

Refrigerator

17 Leave an appropriate amount of space between the refrigerator and

the wall, and do not place objects around or on top of it

18 Change the refrigerator setting from high to medium

19 Organize the refrigerator and limit the time that the door is open

Washing Dryer 20 Do not use clothes dryers or the drying function on washers

Others Standby

power 21

Reduce standby power consumption by unplugging or turning off

the power source for electric devices after use

Prepared by the Japan Network for Climate Change Actions

7

4. Let’s Get Down to Details

4.1 Things to be Careful of: Power Saving and Risks

(1) Air Conditioning and Heat Stroke

“Heat stroke” (from hydration or sodium imbalances in the body, or from overheating)

can result merely from going about your daily activities indoors when the air

conditioning is reduced and the room temperature rises above 28°C. Heat stroke can

cause mild symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and muscle cramps, as well as

serious symptoms such as disturbance of consciousness, convulsions, and motor

disorders of the limbs. Care must be taken especially for the elderly and children, as

well as those who have impaired heart or kidney function and those who do not feel

well, since such persons may be unable to adjust their body temperature effectively and

hence prone to heat stroke.

<Preventive Measures>

• Drink water frequently and supplement with salt carefully

• Circulate room air by opening windows to let in the breeze, using fans, or using the

fan function on air conditioners

• Make sure the room temperature does not get too high

• Gradually acclimate to the higher temperatures

<Emergency Measures if Heat Stroke Occurs>

• Call an ambulance if someone loses consciousness or gives odd responses

• Cool the room, loosen clothing, and assume a relaxed position (if you go pale, lie

down with your feet elevated)

• Cool your body: after applying cold compresses to your neck, underarms, and base

of thighs, wipe lukewarm or room-temperature water on all your skin (because cold

water will not evaporate easily and will cause the blood vessels to constrict, limiting

its effectiveness in cooling you off)

• If the person is clearly conscious, rehydrate (0.2% saline (put about half a pinch of

salt in 100 mL of water), sports drink, oral fluid replacement, or similar)

• If the person gives odd responses or feels nauseous, cannot rehydrate on their own,

does not recover immediately, or if you are otherwise unsure what to do, take them

to a medical facility

For reference: 2009 Healthcare Manual for Heatstroke, Ministry of the Environment

8

(2) Refrigerators and Food Deterioration

The overall cooling capacity of refrigerators falls when the outside air temperature is

35°C or more, when there is hot air trapped in the house, when there is not enough open

space above and around the refrigerator, or when the filter on the underside of the

refrigerator is blocked. Under such conditions, food can be damaged when the

temperature in the refrigerator rises due to setting the refrigerator temperature too high,

repeatedly opening and closing the door, packing in too much food, or inserting foods

that are not well cooled.

The following smart ways of using the refrigerator are to be used to prevent food

poisoning and properly manage food items.

<Methods of Use>

• Reduce the time that the refrigerator door is open by deciding what you need to take

out before opening the door

Note: Opening the door for 15 seconds when the room temperature is 30°C raises

the temperature in the refrigerator from 0°C to 18°C. It then takes 10 minutes to

return to the original temperature.

(Source: Routine Instruction Manual, Food Sanitation Instructor (FSI) Routine

Instruction Manual, Japan Food Hygiene Association)

• Use cooling materials to cool hot foods well before putting them into the

refrigerator

• When only using part of a package of a frozen food item, seal the rest and

immediately return it to the freezer

• Organize the refrigerators to that the contents take up 70% of the space or less, as a

rule of thumb

• Place food items in the refrigerator/freezer as soon as you return home from food

shopping

Note: There is no need to place potatoes or root vegetables (burdock, lotus root,

onions, etc.) in the refrigerator.

• Place items you would like to cool the most in the back

Note: The back near the cooling device tends to be colder, while the door shelves

tend to be cooler.

• Wrap or seal items in plastic wrap or plastic bags whenever possible to keep air out

before placing them in the refrigerator

Note: This can prevent degradation from drying out and fat oxidation.

<Maintenance>

• Clean the door gaskets regularly to prevent damage

• Pull out of the filter from the underside and clean it (about once a year; before

summer is effective)

9

Heat-insulating sheet with air layer

*Double-paned glass and inner windows

are even more effective!

Water for sprinkling around the

house

Wind chime

4.2 Save More Power Using a Multi-Pronged Approach

The key to saving power in the house during the summer is to “keep the house cool inside.”

The focus of such measures is to combine (1) blocking out heat (shielding the heat from the

Sun) and (2) insulating (not letting in heat from outside). These measures will reduce the

burden on air conditioners at night. In addition, the temperature around the house can be

lowered by sprinkling the leftover bathwater around the house in the following morning and

evening.

Other techniques, like using wind chimes and pictures with watery scenes, and actively

consume summer vegetables and other foods that have a cooling effect, can reduce sensible

temperature.

Reed screen

* Bamboo blinds or plants (greenery curtains) also work!

Note: Be sure to hang the reed screen outside!

Picture with a watery

scene

Examples of Fruits that

Cool You Off Example of Using a Greenery

Curtain (in Tokyo)

Tomatoes Cucumbers Bananas

Others examples include lettuce,

watermelon, soba noodles, cold tofu,

yoghurt, and milk

10

4.3 A Power Saving Simulations: A Model of 15% Power Savings

Let’s look at methods of reducing electricity consumption by 15% as households are being

urged to do. For example, for the average three-person household in the TEPCO service area,

measures (1) through (4) can be taken. This model enables a 15% reduction in yearly power

consumption, but we believe it is also sufficient as a method of reducing peak consumption

this summer.

Note 1: This model is based on actual reductions conducted at 240 households in the TEPCO

service area in the 2010 Home Eco Diagnosis Project. It estimated emissions due to electricity

usage (1,285 kg-CO2 per year; 3,870.5 kWh per year; 322.5 kWh per month) out of the total

yearly carbon dioxide emissions (5,510 kg-CO2 per year), and calculated the electric power from

TEPCO’s unit emissions (0.332 kg-CO2 per kWh).

Note 2: “kWh” indicates the total amount (area) of

electricity generated and consumed. In contrast, “kW”

indicates the momentary amount (height) of electricity

generated and consumed.

(From document by the Electricity Supply-Demand

Emergency Response Headquarters, Ministry of

Economy, Trade and Industry)

(1) Save power with focus on air conditioning

• Apply heat-insulating sheets to windows and sashes 14.65 kWH/month

• Increase air conditioner temperature by 1°C 16.25 kWH/month

• Clean the indoor air conditioner filter 3.20 kWH/month

• Adjust the television screen so that it is not too bright 7.42 kWH/month

• Ensure there is space between the refrigerator and the wall 6.77 kWH/month

Total: 48.29 kWh

15.0%

Daily Power

Consumption

kW

(height) kWh (area)

11

(2) Save power with focus on lighting

• Clean the indoor air conditioner filter 3.20 kWH/month

• Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs 26.54 kWH/month

• Reduce the time that lights are on by one hour 3.59 kWH/month

• Adjust the television screen so that it is not too bright 7.42 kWH/month

• Do not use the hot-holding function on rice cookers 9.05 kWH/month

(3) Save power with lifestyle changes and careful actions

• Reduce the time that lights are on by one hour 3.59 kWH/month

• Reduce the time the TV is on by one hour 5.28 kWH/month

• Adjust the television screen so that it is not too bright 7.42 kWH/month

• Do not use the hot-holding function on electric pots 9.87 kWH/month

• Do not use the hot-holding function on rice cookers 9.05 kWH/month

• Ensure there is space between the refrigerator and the wall 6.77 kWH/month

• Cut standby power consumption by unplugging devices 6.98 kWH/month

(4) Save power with purchased items

• Apply heat-insulating sheets to windows and sashes 14.65 kWH/month

• Replace refrigerator with a more energy-efficient one 41.26 kWH/month

• Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs 26.54 kWH/month

• Replace refrigerator with the most recent commercial model 32.84 kWH/month

Total: 49.80 kWh

15.4%

Total: 48.96 kWh

15.2%

Total: 55.91 kWh

17.3%

Total: 59.38 kWh

18.4%

12

5. For More Information (List of Websites for Reference)

<統計資料など>

•エネルギー白書 2010

http://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/topics/hakusho/2010energyhtml/index.html

•２００９年度エネルギー需給実績（確報）

http://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/info/statistics/jukyu/result-1.htm

•経済産業省電力需給緊急対策本部 http://www.meti.go.jp/earthquake/electricity_supply/0325_electricity_supply.html

•「平成 22年度 数表でみる東京電力」 http://www.tepco.co.jp/corporateinfo/company/annai/shiryou/report/suuhyou/index-j.html

<解説資料など>

•環境省／東日本大震災関連情報／節電対策

http://www.env.go.jp/k/jishin/setsuden.html

•全国地球温暖化防止活動推進センター（JCCCA）―うちエコ診断事業 ―

http://www.jccca.org/about/works/works01.html

•（財）電力中央研究所 社会経済研究所 研究報告

http://criepi.denken.or.jp/jp/serc/research_re/index.html

•「緊急節電」（東京大学•岩船由美子研究室による節電情報ポータルサイト）

http://kinkyusetsuden.jp/

•Ｙａｈｏｏ！ＪＡＰＡＮ―効果的な節電と計画停電の対処方法―

http://setsuden.yahoo.co.jp/

13

<身近な取り組み例など>

～東電管内地域地球温暖化防止活動推進センター節電共同行動委員会の構成メンバーサイト～

•茨城県地球温暖化防止活動推進センター

http://business2.plala.or.jp/ibakobo/senta/sub001.html

•栃木県地球温暖化防止活動推進センター

http://homepage3.nifty.com/tochiondan/

•群馬県地球温暖化防止活動推進センター

http://www.gccca.jp/

•埼玉県地球温暖化防止活動推進センター

http://www.kannet-sai.org/

•熊谷市地球温暖化防止活動推進センター

http://ksccca.kumakanren09.net/

•千葉県地球温暖化防止活動推進センター

http://www.ckz.jp/onndannka/

•東京都地球温暖化防止活動推進センター

http://www.tokyo-co2down.jp/

•神奈川県地球温暖化防止活動推進センター

http://www.kccca.jp/

•川崎市地球温暖化防止活動推進センター

http://www.cckawasaki.jp/kwccca/

•山梨県地球温暖化防止活動推進センター

http://www15.plala.or.jp/yamanashi-f21/

•静岡県地球温暖化防止活動推進センター

http://sccca.net/ ＜事務局＞

•全国地球温暖化防止活動推進センター

http://www.jccca.org/