'Warmth-sharing' movement spreads
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Winter cold is not only uncomfortable but also sometimes expensive, and increased power use this time of year adds an extra burden to the already taxed power grid, which is why both the government and ordinary people appear to be willingly adopting "warmth sharing," or the communal use of warm and toasty places to save electricity.
In addition to saving power and reducing carbon dioxide emissions, two benefits that the Environment Ministry hopes to gain from the movement, the concept can help provide companionship to elderly people living alone and help restaurants boost profits.
The idea was introduced this year as part of the ministry's "warm biz" campaign to reduce wintertime electricity use.
Warmth sharing at its simplest is having the whole family spend time in a single heated room, while public gatherings can be held in places such as stores or libraries. The most direct method might be plopping oneself in a communal tub of hot water by visiting a public bath or hot spring.
Limited power availability in Hokkaido has prompted the government to ask people to use at least 7 percent less electricity this winter.
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T130103003011.htm
