Japan's Okinawa Electric Power Company introduced photovoltaic curtailment measures in response to high solar radiation levels and low energy demand.

For the first time, Okinawa Electric Power has cut power supplies from solar power plants and other renewable energy sources. The Japanese utility said it was forced to take the measures in response to high solar radiation levels and low energy demand during the holiday season.

The control period will run from 8am (GMT+9) to 4pm and will last at least three days, depending on weather and demand, the company said. It noted that the measure was implemented from Jan. 1, when electricity demand reached about 669 MW, compared with supply of 738 MW.

Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture in Japan. According to The Okinawa Times, the prefecture currently has about 1,400 solar installations.