7-Eleven to Use Power-Saving Lights at 5,000 stores in Japan

TOKYO -- Seven-Eleven Japan Co. plans to switch its in-store and signboard lights to power-saving, light-emitting diode lighting at 5,000 locations, the company announced. The change is part of a 10 billion yen program planned to deal with expected power shortages this summer in Japans eastern and northeastern regions.

The program’s aim is to cut electricity consumption by 25 percent from July through September and includes the installation of solar panels at 1,000 stores. Power saving per store is estimated to be 125 kilowatts per day, according to the company.

Japan’s government is reportedly considering limiting the use of electricity by major companies in order to cope with anticipated power shortages due to several Japanese power companies losing some of their supply capacity following the March earthquake and tsunami. Other Japanese convenience store chains, including Lawsons Inc. and FamilyMart Co., have announced plans to save power by changing their lighting setups, changing air conditioning temperature settings and other measures.