Masataka Shimizu
President
The Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc.
The Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. (TEPCO) asked the restart of operation of the Unit
No.7 of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station to the Niigata prefecture,
the Kashiwazaki city, and the Kariwa village on February 19, 2009. Today, based on
the safety agreement, TEPCO gained approval of restart of the unit No.7 from Niigata
Governor Hirohiko Izumida, Kashiwazaki Mayor Hiroshi Aida and Kariwa Mayor Hiroo Shinada.
TEPCO would like to express our deepest appreciation for assistance of local residents
and all concerned after the Niigata-Chuetsu-Oki Earthquake.
In response to this approval, TEPCO plans to restart the Unit No.7 by withdrawing
control rods tomorrow, and to conduct a functional test for the whole plant. Through
the test, TEPCO will confirm the soundness of the Unit No.7.
Sincerely acknowledging the request from the Governor and Mayors when receiving
the approval, TEPCO will make more efforts to disclose information and do our best
to make safety the first priority.
As for the other units, TEPCO will steadily address the confirmation of the soundness
of facilities, restoration works, seismic reinforcement works, etc. without prejudgment.