Japan: 'Drastic' ideas eyed for power crisis -- Unpopular options before summer heat strikes include daylight-saving time, price hikes

The government will come up with a drastic plan by April to deal with a major electricity shortage expected this summer from the loss of two nuclear power plants damaged by the quake and tsunami in Fukushima Prefecture.

Options being considered include the introduction of daylight-saving time, known locally as "summer time," and a hike in electricity charges, although nothing has been decided yet.

When electricity use peaks to escape the heat and humidity this summer, it is expected to create a shortage of around 10 million kw — or nearly 20 percent of total available power — Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said upon emerging from an emergency meeting on the problem earlier in the day.

"There needs to be a drastic and immediate measure that may affect industrial business activities and people's lifestyles to fill in the gap" between supply and demand, Edano said. (read more)