Regarding the fact that the supply and demand of electricity is expected to be the tightest in the last 10 years this winter, the head of an organization made by a major electric power company said that if a trouble occurs in the power generation equipment, the supply may be insufficient. He showed his intention to strive for maintenance.
Regarding the supply and demand of electricity this winter, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry says that the reserve margin, which indicates the surplus supply capacity, is expected to exceed the minimum required of 3%, but it is expected to be the toughest in the last 10 years.
Regarding this, Chairman Ikebe of the Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan said at a press conference on the 22nd, "We have secured a reserve margin of 3% or more even in the cold winter of last year, and it is okay at this point."
On the other hand, he said, "I'm worried about equipment troubles, and if even one happens, it will be a problem."
Regarding the soaring international prices of crude oil and LNG = liquefied natural gas, which are fuels for thermal power generation, Chairman Ikebe said, "Each electric power company mainly has long-term contracts, and it is difficult to buy it. It has not, and at least at this point in time, fuel is not expected to be tight. We will continue to work to secure stable fuel with a sense of tension toward this winter. "