They are having many problems with electric power distribution in Japan
because of the earthquake and the Fukushima reactor disaster. One of
their other problems is that western part of the country is at 60 Hz and
the eastern part at 50 Hz, so they cannot easily transmit electricity.
Here is a map showing the divide:
http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB:Power_Grid_of_Japan_J.PNG
Apparently, this goes back to 1888 and 1893 when the TEPCO bought
generators from a German company (AEG), and the Osaka power company
bought GE equipment. So saith Wikipedia. I have heard this elsewhere.
It says they tried to fix the problem in the aftermath of WWII, but
recovery was too quick. It says nowadays there is no compelling
technical reason to unify the power system at one frequency.
Who says Japan is a unified society?
- Jed
