Will power plants be up in Japan in y2k

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Does anyone know what efforts the Japanese are making to have electrical power come y2k? What is their main fuel for generating electricity? I read on Gary North's website that our North American economy is highly dependant on functioning Japanese banks etc. I would appreciate any comments.

-- Anonymous, June 11, 1998

Answers

Japan generates approx. 40% from nuclear. The balance is a mix of fossil, cogeneration and hydro. Some hydro is used for peak load demand (~2 PM) by pumping "up" to dams during the night and releasing during the day. There are approximately 10 power companies with Tokyo Power taking the lead for eastern Japan. Eastern and western Japan operate on different frequencies(50Hz-west/60Hz-east). Tokyo Power has stated they will have their customer interface (billing, account info, etc) ready by March, 1999. Generating facilities are scheduled for December, 1999.

I started in the electrical industry as an engineer in 1979 and have lived and worked in Japan for the last 6 years. I work as an advisor for several global companies and understand the nuances and culture reasonably well. I work daily with top management and it is fair to say that "recovery planning" is our theme. The current business, political and banking challenges require us to focus on strategies that have reasonble chances for success. My present outlook (1 Sept1998) is that there will be power available for the critical governmental services necessary for the world's 2nd largest economy to communicate with the rest of the world. From Japan, P.N. Gauthier

-- Anonymous, August 31, 1998


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