Sweating Out the Setsuden Summer

Japan's 20% short on electricity as a result of the Fukushima situation (how's that for a euphemism?), so everyone has to try to cut back in order to not trigger rolling blackouts.

As a result, this is a common sight at buildings and stations all over Japan. Shutting down escalators, fountains and some lighting is a quick and easy way to cut on electrical consumption in public areas.

When it comes to household electrical use, 25% of total demand comes from the air conditioner. With temperatures in the 30's and high humidity, using the a/c sparingly with a fan, or using a fan without the a/c is the way to survive and not overtax the system. Everyone's on board this summer, but the shortage will continue for years, since it takes time to replace such a massive amount of capacity in the system. So, will people forget all this next summer, or has "setsuden" become a new way of life for Japan? It will have to become a new way of life. There's no alternative.