Kansai Elec To Face 9.5% Power Supply Shortage In Feb -Kyodo

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Kansai Electric Power Co. (9503.TO) is expected to face a power supply shortage in February of 2.53 million kilowatts, with its supply capacity falling 9.5% short of estimated peak demand during the month when winter heating demand is the highest, Kyodo News reported Monday, citing government sources.

In January, the utility's supply capacity is expected to be 7.1% short of peak power demand, as seven out of 11 nuclear reactors operated by Kansai Electric are currently halted -- and all 11 plants will be off-line by the end of February unless idled reactors are allowed to resume operations.

To avert blackouts, the government will call on businesses and households in Kansai Electric's service area to reduce electricity use by 10% or more from a year earlier from Dec. 19 to March 23, except weekends.

The government will also ask for a power consumption cut of 5% or more from a year earlier in the service area of Kyushu Electric Power Co. (9508.TO), whose supply capacity is expected to fall short of peak demand by 2.2% in January. The power saving period in that area will be from Dec. 19 to Feb. 3.

Read more: http://www.foxbusiness.com/industries/2011/10/31/kansai-elec-to-face-5-power-supply-shortage-in-feb-kyodo/#ixzz1cNNXFV1o