Japan Press Weekly

Tweet

2012 May 9 - 15 [NUCLEAR CRISIS]

KEPCO’s reward system to high energy users goes against power-saving need

Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) has brought in a point system to reward those with a higher rate of power consumption.

KEPCO persistently demands the restart of operations of nuclear reactors at its Oi nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture, arguing that a shutdown of all nuclear reactors in Japan will cause a power supply shortage in the coming summer.

The operator has introduced a system under which a household is assessed a point for each 10 kWh of electricity it uses. Energy users can exchange their accumulated points for items such as expensive puddings, hotel coupons, astronomical telescopes, and gift vouchers.

Some members in the government’s commission to project a power supply-demand balance have expressed the need to review the point reward scheme as it may encourage consumers to use more electricity.