Fukui Prefecture and Takahama Town today approved the resumption of operation of Takahama Unit 3 of Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (Kansai Electric) after the government confirmed the results of the integrity inspection of the secondary system piping of Takahama 3, which had been shut down since August 19, 2004 following the secondary system piping fracture at Mihama Unit 3.

Consequently, Kansai Electric decided to restart Takahama 3. With the utmost attention to safety, we are commencing preparations for reactor startup today, and plan to resume operation by September 13 and reach stable operation with rated thermal output by September 15.

Kansai Electric will carefully investigate the causes of the secondary system piping fracture at Mihama Unit 3 and implement thorough measures to prevent similar accidents. We will also continue to ensure safe and stable operation of nuclear power plants with top priority on safety, while gaining the understanding of the national government, Fukui Prefecture, local authorities such as the host municipality, and the local communities.

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