OREANDA-NEWS For the first time in seven years, the Japanese government has introduced a regime of electricity conservation and urged citizens and businesses to reduce its consumption by the end of the summer, RIA Novosti reported.

This decision is connected with calculations about power reserves. According to the government, when a strong heat wave hits almost all regions of Japan except Okinawa and Hokkaido Island, the power reserve ratio may reach 3.7%, which is only slightly above the critical level of 3%.

The power-saving requirement involves reducing electricity use for secondary purposes, including advertising signs, display lights and televisions in stores and storefronts. At the same time, it would affect the use of air conditioners and other electrical appliances, which the government asks to use to avoid heat stroke.

The agency said the power problems in Japan have arisen amid rising energy prices, cuts in thermal power plants and growing fears over the stability of electricity supplies.