It is estimated that enormous irreparable damage would be incurred across a wide area if a severe accident occurred at a nuclear power plant, which could not only materially damage the interests of the Company’s shareholders, but could also leave an excessive burden for future generations. Moreover, the risk of nuclear power plants becoming the target of combat actions has come to light. The Company should close nuclear power plants promptly, taking into account that no candidate locations have been announced for spent nuclear fuel interim storage facilities.
Meanwhile, taking into account that the electricity business is a public utility, if despite making efforts to control demand and secure alternative power sources it is difficult to ensure a stable supply of alternative power sources and keep electricity tariffs from soaring, due to a lack of alternative power sources, significant hike in fuel costs, and other reasons, and the Company is driven to operate nuclear power plants in order to protect the daily lives of citizens, it is essential to limit the operation to the minimum required scope and to take infallible safety measures.
In addition, in order to dispel public anxiety, the Company should request that the government clarify the system of responsibility for making the decision to restart operations of nuclear power plants and for ensuring safety, including the formulation of effective evacuation plans, in addition to implementing this proposal and adequately fulfilling its duty of accountability.