Press Releases 2015

Member of Diet`s Fukushima Nuclear Accident Independent Investigation Commission Sakurai to lead audit; new policy requires disclosure of all radiation data affecting surrounding environment

TOKYO, March 6, 2015-TEPCO announced today that the company is accepting the proposal of its independent Nuclear Reform Monitoring Committee (NRMC) to conduct an outside audit of the recent disclosure failure. The company will also adopt a new disclosure policy to improve transparency.

Effective immediately, TEPCO will disclose promptly and thoroughly all radiation data that affects the surrounding environment, regardless of its level or whether it can be fully explained. Outside experts will be engaged to review the data and provide their viewpoints.  The company also said it will continue reaching out to Fukushima fishermen, other members of the local community, and various stakeholder groups, in the spirit of holding candid and forthright discussions about this and related matters.

Commenting on the company's decision, Chairman Fumio Sudo said: "It is important that we understand why the apparent failure of disclosure surrounding the drainage water happened and take steps to ensure transparency to which we are committed."
Regarding the new policy, Sudo added: "We must regain public trust by making thorough disclosure of radiation data regardless of its level, and by increasing our communication with local stakeholders."

The audit will be conducted by a Disclosure Subcommittee of the NRMC, chaired by Masafumi Sakurai, who previously served as a member of the Diet's Fukushima Nuclear Accident Independent Investigation Commission. The subcommittee is expected to assemble a team of independent experts to assist it. The subcommittee’s work will be entirely independent of the internal audit being conducted, but will review that audit as well.

Mr. Sakurai accepted the responsibility to supervise the audit on behalf of the Reform Committee. "This audit will follow the facts wherever they lead, and will recommend whatever changes may be needed to prevent something like this from happening again."

Mr. Sakurai's team has been tasked with explaining the interim findings to TEPCO at the next Reform Committee held on March 30, and the company will make them public, as well as any actions taken based on its findings. A broader review of  how information is communicated and managed inside and outside the company will also be performed, and this  may continue for several months longer.

"Recommendations of the Nuclear Reform Monitoring Committee Regarding the Issues Raised by the Recent Disclosures Related to Water Drainage" can be viewed at http://www.nrmc.jp/en/report/detail/1248534_5233.html

NOTE
Direct translation of Japanese press release is also available
TEPCO Sets Out New Policy on Information Disclosure (PDF 51.5KB)

About TEPCO
Tokyo Electric Power Company, Inc. (TEPCO) is Japan's largest power company, supplying energy to the greater Kanto area, including Japan's two most populous cities, Tokyo and Yokohama. Its 34,000 employees are committed to providing safe, reliable power to its 29.0 million customers, diversifying energy resources to ensure sustainability, and contributing to economic growth while fully meeting its responsibilities after the Fukushima Daiichi accident.
TEPCO Website: http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/index-e.html
TEPCO Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTEPCOen
TEPCO Twitter page: https://twitter.com/TEPCO_English