Due to the earthquake and tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company was shut down, and furthermore, due to the accident that caused extensive damage from a hydrogen explosion, nuclear power plants operating throughout the country have been shut down, and nuclear power plants that have been suspended for inspections, etc. are being approached with caution regarding their resumption of operation. As a result, there are concerns about a power shortage this summer, and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has issued an "Electricity Usage Restriction Order" for the first time in 37 years since 1974, just after the first oil shock.
Starting from July 1, within the jurisdiction of Tokyo Electric Power remove background image Company and Tohoku Electric Power Company, the upper limit of power consumption for large power consumers (with contracted power of 500 kilowatts or more) will be set at 15% less than the maximum power consumption value (per hour) of the previous year. If the power consumption target value according to this 15% power reduction is not met, a fine of 1 million yen per hour will be imposed.
Hitotsubashi University, where I work, is also a large electricity consumer and has been taking measures to conserve electricity since the implementation of planned power outages immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
They have responded by refraining from using elevators in buildings, changing lights to LEDs, reducing the number of lights, partially turning off outdoor lights on campus, and even turning off the lights on the clock in the clock tower, the symbol of the university. As it is expected that these measures will not be enough in the summer, they have been devising measures to achieve their energy-saving targets.