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.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]