Japan’s power demand edges up in February

Japanese electricity consumption increased by 0.5% in February, noting its first rise since last year’s earthquake after colder weather temporarily caused a spike in heating demand, according to a Reuters calculation of daily averages from grid data showed.

Although the news shows an economy on the mend, power demand remains capped after most nuclear reactors went offline after Fukushima. Only two of its 54 reactors are operating and reactors shut for regular maintenance now must undergo stress tests and gain authority approval before restarting.