The main damage of Typhoon No. 15 is power distribution equipment
This power outage is mainly caused by damage to power distribution facilities. At the beginning of the power outage, the collapse of the two power transmission towers was closed up, but the number of power outages due to this effect is 100,000 (announced by TEPCO PG), and the maximum number of power outages in Chiba Prefecture (approximately 637,000 as of the September 9th (7:50 am)) is due to power distribution equipment. In general, the restoration process for wide area power distribution equipment is as follows.
1 Understanding the damage situation
First, it is necessary to visually check the damage status of each feeder that extends from the distribution substation. Although it is extremely steady work, at this stage it is necessary to patrol all areas of the power outage and cover the situation of power pole collapse, disconnection due to fallen trees and flying objects, and damage to pole transformers. Due to the extremely wide range of disasters, limited personnel, and the roads being cut off by fallen trees, it takes a considerable amount of time, especially in mountainous areas. In addition, there have already been many incidents in which damage that could not be detected at the time of initial movement became apparent during construction.
2 Securing materials and equipment
For restoration, it is necessary to procure power poles, distribution lines, pole transformers, and attached equipment and secure heavy machinery. Furthermore, after transporting these materials and equipment to the surrounding area, it is necessary to temporarily consolidate them in a storage area with sufficient space. If the damage area is so large, it is necessary to set up a lot of material storage areas in the prefecture. TEPCO PG has been repeatedly rationalizing material storage, and it has long been said that the distribution department has been concerned about the lack of space during large-scale disasters.
3 Ensuring construction power
And securing the installer. It is said that a total of 16,000 people are working including support from partner companies and other electric power (as of September 13). It is also necessary to secure drinking water, food, toilets and lodging for these workers. Securing the installer is not only a workforce, but also a work that requires extensive adjustment including these logistics.
4 Secure communication means
The power company’s telecommunications department provides communication means using communication satellites in preparation for disasters. However, the equipment for that purpose is extremely limited, and it is extremely difficult for workers to keep in touch with mobile phones in a wide area under Chiba Prefecture. Understanding the damage situation → Procurement of materials and equipment → Construction → Power transmission process is not in a reasonable situation, but the restriction of communication means is a huge obstacle to recovery.
Extremely difficult field restoration work
It can be said that it is practically almost impossible to make progress at the same time after mutually grasping the situation of the disaster and securing the equipment and construction power. The problem is fallen trees. As reported, the Self-Defense Forces participate in the removal, but the removal of fallen trees that are in contact with electric wires requires the presence of a power maintenance worker. The Self-Defense Force arrived, but there was a situation in which there was no power employee, so it was not possible to remove fallen trees. This is where logistics difficulties come into play.
Problems of remarks by Minister Seko
TEPCO PG has repeatedly released an optimistic recovery outlook and then revised it. The background of this is the statement by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry on September 10 (at the time) that “At least 330,000 power outages will be resolved during the 10th” (at press conference after the Cabinet). This is an unintentional statement. At the stage of 10th, it should not be enough to grasp the damage situation. In this state, the minister showed specific figures for the recovery prospects, and the actual situation did not progress as expected, so they had to continue to publish the recovery prospects including numerical values while giving reasons for correcting the minister’s statements.
In such a large-scale disaster with a large social impact, politicians and the country will ask for disclosure of the recovery prospects, including specific figures. It is unclear whether the TEPCO PG under the control of the country reported such figures without any prospects, or whether the minister made a unilateral announcement without obtaining reports from TEPCO. As the Chiba mayor points out, it should be kept in mind that it is more important to publish a pessimistic outlook.
Next, I would like to explore the specific reasons for TEPCO’s prolonged power outage.
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