At a press conference after the cabinet meeting on the 27th, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura said that TEPCO and Hokkaido Electric Power Co. applied to the government to raise the rate plan called "regulated rate" among the electricity rates for households. He indicated his intention to strictly review corporate efforts such as procurement price forecasts and management efficiency.
In addition, when applying for the price increase, TEPCO explained that it has taken into account the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station in Niigata Prefecture to reduce the range of price increases.
Regarding this, Minister Nishimura said, "We are aware that the Nuclear Regulation Authority is undergoing additional reviews regarding the restart, and we are not aware of the situation in which we can predict the timing." He stressed that there is no prospect of a restart.
On the other hand, with the severe cold weather continuing, Minister Nishimura said, "We are able to secure a stable supply through measures such as cooperating in saving electricity and operating power outages," regarding the outlook for power supply and demand for the time being. showed an idea.