The Japanese Ministry of the Environment on Wednesday last week began operating its special heatstroke alert system, in which alerts are issued in areas one day before there is a high risk of heat stroke based on the predicted wet bulb globe temperature.
The Japanese government has also urged the public to stay hydrated while outdoors to mitigate the risk of heat-related illness.
However, Japan is not the only nation experiencing high temperatures, as Taiwan also saw summer-like temperatures on Tuesday last week, when the weather station in Pingtung County’s Sandimen Township (三地門) recorded temperatures higher than 37.3°C, while many other places across the nation also saw temperatures exceeding 35°C.
Therefore, in addition to concerns over power supply stability, the public must pay attention to the potential health risks posed by hot weather.
Electricity consumption on Tuesday last week reached a peak of 36.5 gigawatt-hours, while the maximum power supply for that day was 44.531 gigawatt-hours, indicating stable and ample energy supply, or a “green” light, data from Taiwan Power Co (Taipower) showed.
Taipower’s daily power generation capacity exceeds 44.5 gigawatt-hours. Even with the scheduled decommissioning of the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant’s No. 2 reactor on May 17, which would reduce capacity by 942,000 kilowatt-hours, the company should still be able to meet demand, even if it reaches last year’s peak of 40.099 gigawatt-hours in a single day.
Barring extraordinary circumstances that disrupt the supply of natural gas or coal — essential fuels for Taiwan’s predominantly thermal power generation — there is reason to trust the government’s assurance that the nation would not face electricity shortages in the near term.
However, Taiwan’s power grid is widely seen as vulnerable, and public anxiety has been heightened by a series of incidents — from squirrels gnawing on power lines to short circuits in aging electrical boxes. Adding to these concerns are seasonal challenges: Afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt solar power generation, while wind turbines sit idle during calm weather. As a result, many remain skeptical of the government’s assurances that power generation is adequate.
Furthermore, the cost of generating electricity in Taiwan exceeds the price at which it is sold, causing Taipower to incur significant losses year after year. The more electricity is generated, the greater the potential for financial loss.
With electricity prices frozen, increased consumption does not necessarily guarantee higher costs for users, but Taipower’s heavy deficits are still ultimately shouldered by the public. As such, energy conservation must be recognized as a shared responsibility.
The government, media and educational institutions should take the lead in promoting awareness and educating the public about energy conservation. In addition, these institutions should ensure that the public is informed about safe locations to go during power outages or blackouts in residential areas — much like designated shelters used during natural disasters.
Equipping citizens with knowledge on how to help prevent power outages is a vital form of self-protection, particularly as it can reduce the health risks associated with extreme heat. As soaring temperatures become a regular feature of daily life, it is essential that everyone understands how to safeguard themselves and their communities.
Last year was the hottest on record for Taiwan, and many meteorologists warn that extreme heat is becoming the new normal. It would come as no surprise if summer temperatures this year were to reach unprecedented highs.
As such, it is crucial that the public be equipped with the knowledge and preparation necessary to prevent heat-related illnesses. Staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and using fans or air conditioning when needed are key to staying safe in hot weather.
It is also advisable to avoid drinking ice-cold water suddenly when overheated, as doing so might reduce the risk of heat-related incidents. Just as important, citizens must be prepared to respond to unexpected power outages to safeguard themselves and their families.
To prepare for blackouts, every household should have multiple power banks and a sufficient supply of drinking water. As extreme heat becomes increasingly common, it is vital that everyone practices energy conservation and develops the knowledge to reduce heat-related harm.
Only through such preparedness can we minimize the risks and losses brought on by extreme heat and disruptions in electricity, thereby ensuring that we can safely navigate Taiwan’s sweltering climate and unique energy challenges.
Chang Chung-fa is a lecturer at the National Open University.
Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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