On October 31, Tohoku Electric Power Co. introduced an emergency low-voltage power-source vehicle — known as “ToMoS” — for use in providing power in isolated areas and islands in times of major natural disasters. The vehicle can be carried inside the heavy-lift helicopters (CH-47) operated by the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF).
Given the frequent impassability of roads in recent years owing to earthquakes, torrential rains, and ground subsidence — complicating overland transport of workers, materials and equipment — and because of the sometimes lengthy periods before electricity services have been restored, the power company had been working to develop a solution.
ToMoS vehicles have already been stationed at the Nagaoka Service Office in Niigata Prefecture and the Sendai-Minami Service Office in Miyagi Prefecture.
