Please extend money for compensation

November 25, 2013

Nuclear damage compensation fund asks assistance

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20131125_29.html

A Japanese fund is asking the government and financial institutions to extend money to help Tokyo Electric Power Company compensate local people affected by Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant accident.

The steering committee of the state-backed nuclear compensation fund made the proposal on Monday. They have reviewed the utility's comprehensive business plan that aims to improve its operation.

The committee members say TEPCO should make the utmost effort to deal with contaminated water and decommissioning the damaged nuclear plant. It also asks the utility to lead efforts to reform Japan's electric power system.

The committee says it would be difficult for TEPCO alone to shoulder the costs of the accident.

It says when the compensation fund writes a new business plan for TEPCO, it should ask the government and financial institutions to make appropriate contributions for sharing the costs.

The nuclear compensation fund is expected to come up with the business plan by the end of this year.