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Corporate Information

 
Press Release (Apr 08,2011)
Avoiding implementation of rolling blackouts and measures to maintain power supply-demand balance toward summer period
Due to the tight power supply-demand balance, TEPCO has been implementing 
rolling blackouts since March 14 (Mon). We sincerely regret causing 
anxiety and inconvenience to our customers and the society. We appreciate 
your cooperation in conserving electricity consumption.
Since number of our nuclear power stations and thermal power stations were
damaged by Tohoku-Chihou-Taiheiyo-Oki Earthquake and were shut down, we 
are currently focusing on restoration and maintenance of supply capacity. 
As a result of widespread cooperation from our customers in conserving 
electricity, the supply-demand balance has improved significantly. 
Considering the situation, we have decided to cease the implementation of 
rolling blackouts for the time being.

1. Forecast of power supply-demand balance 
Currently, peak demand of each day has been continuing to be approximately 
20% lower compared to that of previous year. We consider this as an effect 
of not only stagnant of corporate activity due to the earthquake but also 
effort to conserve electricity driven by the customers.
We are assuming that weekly peak demand of April and May will decrease for 
the meanwhile as a result of rising temperature and Golden Week holidays, 
in addition to customer's cooperation on conserving electricity. 
Subsequently, the demand will increase toward the end of May but at a 
relatively low level around 38,000 MW.
By restoring power plants, we would be able to maintain supply capacity at 
around 39,000 MW to 42,000 MW. Accordingly, our supply capacity shall 
have some allowance.

2. Cease implementing rolling blackouts 
Taking into account these assumptions, we consider that power 
supply-demand balance will be maintained. Hence, in principle, we have 
decided to cease the implementation of rolling blackouts.
Since the electricity demand may increase rapidly due to unexpected 
weather changes or trouble in our facilities such as restored power plants, 
we kindly request our customers to continue conserving electricity. In 
case the power supply-demand balance gets tightened, we may implement 
rolling blackouts after giving prior notice, therefore your cooperation 
would be very much appreciated. 

3. Measures regarding power supply-demand balance toward this summer 
On the other hand, supply capacity (46,500 MW) is deemed to be 
significantly short considering the peak demand (assumed to be 55,000 
MW*). (supply capacity and peak demand are forecasts at the end of July)  
[previously announced on March 25th]

*Peak demand of last summer (July 23rd) was 59,900 MW due to remarkably 
 high temperature.

Hence, in order to continue to cease the implementation of rolling 
blackouts in the summer period, we will be taking measures as follows.

(1) Measures on supply side
We will make our best efforts as follows to further enhance supply 
capacity.
-Further restoration and start-up of thermal power plants including 
 jointly owned power plants.
-Installation of emergency power sources such as gas turbines.
-Utilization of in-house power generators.
-Utilization of pumped-storage hydroelectric power generators
 
(2) Measures on demand side
At present, despite the measures to be taken on supply side, power 
supply-demand balance is unlikely to be maintained. Therefore, we 
appreciate your cooperation in conserving electricity during the summer 
period.
Taking into account the "framework for measures on electricity supply and 
demand during summer period" presented from governmental headquarters for 
emergency measures on electricity supply and demand, we will proactively 
provide consultancy services, information, equipment inspection, 
recommendation on entering into contract for control of demand and supply 
to household, commercial and industrial customers in order to enable 
enhancement of electricity conservation.

We sincerely regret causing anxiety and inconvenience to our customers, 
and appreciate your continuous cooperation in conserving electricity 
consumption. 

Appendix:Prediction of Weekly Power Supply and Demand
         (for 8 weeks from that of April 9) (PDF 10.8KB)
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