As the Japanese summer turns to cooler weather and the peak energy use months of June, July and August pass, Japanese can congratulate themselves on one success — saving energy.

Tokyo Electric Power Co. reported consistent reductions in usage of electricity, averaging 20 percent from the summer of 2010, spurred by government and industry's initiatives but accomplished by many people's hard work.

Certainly, the government, industry and Tepco deserve credit for informing the public and encouraging savings, but the real work of cutting back was handled by individuals and business enterprises, big and small.