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2011 July 6 - 12 [NUCLEAR CRISIS]

Is it true that N-plant shutdowns will raise electricity rate?

July 8, 2011
Stopping all nuclear reactors will cause an increase in the monthly electricity bill by more than 1,000 yen according to the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ) in a study it did amid growing concern about nuclear energy after the Fukushima nuclear accident. This organization, however, consists of former officials of the nuclear promoting ministry and power companies’ executives as its board members.

IEEJ estimates that if thermal power covers the electricity demand as an alternative to nuclear power, the average household’s electricity charges will jump by 1,049 yen a month, an increase of 18.2 percent from the present rate.

Electricity charges for industrial uses will also increase, possibly having a negative impact on Japan’s manufacturing industry and international competitiveness, according to the IEEJ.

In short, this organization is blackmailing the public with an unfounded assumption.

IEEJ is one of the many pro-nuclear foundations under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry. Established in June 1966, seven out of 24 board executives of the organization are retired-METI bureaucrats, as of April 2011. A Tokyo Electric Power Company’s vice president, a Kansai Electric Power Company’s vice president, and a Chubu Electric Power Company’s senior managing executive officer are also on the board. METI gives IEEJ a grant of about 115 million yen a year.
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