Press Releases（Archive）
JR East Maximizing Use of In-House Power Generation and Cutting Back on Electric Power Utilization
East Japan Railway Company
March 18, 2011
Rail transportation requires electric power not only for operating trains, but also for signals, traffic management systems, station lighting, and other such purposes.
JR East possesses the Shinanogawa Power Plant (hydroelectric power) in Tokamachi City and Ojiya City in Niigata Prefecture, and the Kawasaki Power Plant (thermal power) in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The in-house electric power we generate at these plants is combined with electricity supplied by the Tokyo Electric Power Company and used for the stable operation of trains in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
We are presently working to increase the amount of electric power we generate in-house as much as possible while also cutting back on our use of electricity. In this way, we hope to produce electric power as part of our cooperation with efforts to secure the supply of electric power for the Tokyo metropolitan area.
- Maximum Utilization of In-House Electric Power Generation
(1) Shinanogawa Power Plant
At the suggestion of the mayor of Tokamachi City and on the instructions of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, we had reduced the discharge flow even before the earthquake occurred. This is raising the water intake volume and increasing the amount of generated power. In addition, we are working to optimize the timing of water discharge to match with peak electric power demand in the Tokyo metropolitan area.(2) Kawasaki Power Plant
This plant is generating electric power to the maximum extent possible within the limits of fuel supply. - Cutting Back on Electric Power Utilization
We are implementing measures such as the following in order to cut back on electricity. We request the understanding and cooperation of our customers. - Extinguishing or turning down lights on station concourses and platforms during daytime hours
- Stopping operation of escalators (excluding very long escalators, those that do not have stairs nearby, and so on)
- Reducing number of trains operated
- Turning off heating or turning down temperature settings
| (1) | Measures taken in stations
| |
| (2) | Measures taken regarding trains
| |
[Supply and Status of Utilization of Electric Power Generated In-House]
| Actual results for 18:00-19:00 | (Unit: 10,000 kWh) |
- Zones where trains operate primarily on electric power generated in-house: Yamanote, Keihin Tohoku, Chuo, Takasaki Lines, etc.
| Prior to earthquake (March 10) [A] |
March 17 [B] |
[B-A] | |
| Amount supplied by in-house electric power plant | 56 |
62 |
+6 (+11%) |
| Portion of the amount consumed by JR | 56 |
41 |
-15 (-27%) |
| Amount provided to Tokyo Electric Power as cooperation | 21 (*) |
| * | 210,000 kWh corresponds to the largest output capacity of one generator of the Kawasaki Power Plant. |
We will be continuing to pursue similar measures in future, as well.
