Japan turns down the heat and dims the lights to avoid power cut after quake

Tokyo Tower is illuminated only in the lower-half part in response to the government's request to save electricity in Tokyo, Japan March 22, 2022. REUTERS/Issei Kato

Japanese turned off neon signs, dimmed their lights and dialled down thermostats on Tuesday after the government issued an urgent call to save energy to avoid blackouts after an earthquake last week caused a serious power shortage.

Up to 3 million households faced the threat of blackouts on Tuesday night, as utility Tokyo Electric Power Co (Tepco) warned of tight supply and surging demand as snow fell across Tokyo and the temperature dropped to 2 degrees Celsius (35.6 Fahrenheit).