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Utility admits to dishonest e-mails on restart

It has come to light that the operator of the Genkai
nuclear power plant had requested its staff and
affiliates to send e-mails supporting the restart of
the reactors to a meeting to explain the
government's safety measures.

On June 26th, the government held a meeting in
Saga City to answer questions from residents in
preparation for the resumption of the operation
of the nuclear reactors.

The meeting was shown live by a cable TV station
and via the Internet, and viewers were invited to
send in their opinions by e-mail or fax.

On Wednesday, Kyushu Electric Power Company
President Toshio Manabe revealed that 4 days
before the meeting, its head office instructed
some company members and 4 affiliated firms to
send in e-mails expressing support for restarting
the reactors.

Manabe offered an apology, saying that his
company's action undermined the credibility of
the meeting.

He said he does not know how many e-mails
were sent.

Manabe also said the company hoped to help
deepen residents' understanding by stating its
opinion as the plant operator.

He said he is responsible for the inappropriate
act, but added that he is not considering
stepping down as president.

Industry minister Banri Kaieda issued a statement
saying it is outrageous to do such a thing and the
incident undermines the aim of the meeting.

Thursday, July 07, 2011 02:57 +0900 (JST)