Chubu Electric Chief Apologizes to Mayor over N-Plant Data Fraud

Omaezaki, Shizuoka Pref., Jan. 15 (Jiji Press)–Chubu Electric Power Co. President Kingo Hayashi and other company officials on Thursday apologized to Masaru Shimomura, mayor of the city of Omaezaki, home to the firm’s Hamaoka nuclear power station, over its earthquake risk data fraud related to the plant. “I take the case very seriously and apologize deeply,” Hayashi told the mayor in a meeting held at the city government office. It was the first time for the president to offer a direct apology to the Hamaoka plant host municipality in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, since the scandal came to light. Noting that Chubu Electric has lost the trust of local residents, Hayashi said, “We understand that it is an extremely grave situation concerning the foundations of our nuclear business.” Tetsuya Toyoda, chief of the firm’s nuclear business headquarters, explained to city officials details of the Nuclear Regulation Authority’s orders for the company decided at the watchdog’s regular meeting Wednesday, including the submission of a report over the data irregularities. “The situation is very serious and regrettable,” the mayor told the Chubu Electric officials, repeatedly urging them to ensure the safety of the Hamaoka nuclear plant. “I would like you to assess the degree of the impact (of the data fraud) and announce the results as soon as possible,” Shimomura added. The mayor asked the company in writing to fully and sincerely investigate the fraud. On Friday, Chubu Electric officials, including Toyoda, gave an explanation about the data fraud at a meeting of the Omaezaki municipal assembly’s special committee related to the nuclear plant. As Hayashi skipped the meeting, however, the participating company officials were asked by many committee members about the reason for the president’s absence. Later on Thursday, the president and other Chubu Electric officials visited three Shizuoka municipalities neighboring Omaezaki–the cities of Kikugawa, Makinohara and Kakegawa–and extended apologies over the scandal. The company has safety accords regarding the Hamaoka plant with the three cities. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]