Chubu Electric ordered to improve operations after nuclear plant data fraud

Japan's industry ministry has ordered Chubu Electric Power Co. to improve operations following its manipulation of seismic data during the screening process for the restart of reactors at the company's Hamaoka nuclear power plant. The company had previously withdrawn its applications for regulatory screening to restart reactors Nos.

3 and 4 at the plant in central Japan. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry requested the company to submit a business improvement plan, including measures to prevent a recurrence and strengthen compliance with laws and regulations. Chubu Electric's President Minoru Yasui acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and pledged to respond sincerely to ensure the issue does not happen again.

In September, the company disclosed a report by an investigative committee of external lawyers that concluded the utility's internal culture justified the misconduct, leading to the resignations of President Kingo Hayashi, Chairman Satoru Katsuno, and Senior Adviser Akihisa Mizuno. The utility has faced multiple scandals, including document falsification related to decommissioning work for the plant's Nos. 1 and 2 reactors, as well as overcharging customers for electricity.

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