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Japan issues massive blackout warning for Tokyo

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-03-17 18:49

TOKYO - The Japanese government on Thursday announced the possibility of a large-scale power outage in the Tokyo area as demand in the area may outstrip supply while temperatures fall in the evening.

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To avoid the massive power failure, the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry issued an emergency instruction to railway operators in the metropolis to reduce their services to conserve power during the evening, as the commuter rush would cause electricity levels to peak.

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Banri Kaieda said a massive blackout could occur even though Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) carried out planned power outages Thursday for the fourth straight day in part of the Kanto region, including Tokyo.

Kaieda said that power supply available for the utility's service area approached supply limits Thursday morning.

Government officials also urged businesses and regular citizens to do their best to conserve power as the demand will exceed the utility's supply if consumption remains at the current level.