Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Hokkaido Electric Power Company's electricity supply-demand forecasts in this winter

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Hokkaido Electric Power Company has announced this winter's electricity supply-demand forecasts in the event that the Tomari Nuclear Power Station does not resume operations. How do you view these figures and what are your thoughts on the necessity of restarting the Tomari Nuclear Power Station?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: As you know, electricity demand in Hokkaido is higher in winter than it is in summer. Measures to address the supply-demand issues are being implemented in order to minimize the impact on citizen's daily lives and economic activities. I believe that Hokaido Electric Power Company is also preparing various forecasts to balance supply and demand. In your question you mention the Tomari Nuclear Power Station. What I know with certainty is that after the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is established, the commission will conduct independent safety evaluations of nuclear power stations to assess whether or not each station can resume operations. I believe that the Tomari Nuclear Power Station will be one of the assessed stations.

(Abridged)