Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Restarting operations at nuclear power stations (power supply and demand)

(Abridged)

REPORTER: With regard to the restarting of operations at nuclear power stations, yesterday the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy issued an outlook for power supply and demand, in which it was reported that if the summer temperatures reach levels that were seen during the heat wave two years ago, a supply and demand gap of 19.6 percent would result. What is your and the Government's assessment of this 19.6 percent figure that has been announced?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: As someone who is from Osaka I think the figures that have been issued will be very tough for those within the service area of Kansai Electric Power Company. Naturally requests will be issued to the public to save electricity, but I am aware that the figures that have been issued present a scenario for a very severe situation. The figures that were announced yesterday will need to be thoroughly examined and given consideration on whether further supply sources can be procured and whether further power saving measures can be implemented. These various considerations will be finalized and compiled ultimately into a full energy supply and demand outlook for the summer, which should be completed around the time of the national holiday at end of April and beginning of May.

(Abridged)