Japan nuclear plant usage hits 5-yr low in April

http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKT17560320080507

UPDATE 1-Japan nuclear plant usage hits 5-yr low in April
Wed May 7, 2008 9:11am BST

TOKYO, May 7 (Reuters) - Japan's nuclear power plant usage
fell to a five-year low in April as an unplanned shutdown at
Hokuriku Electric further reduced already low output due to the
closure of the world's largest nuclear plant last summer and
seasonal maintenance work.

The utilisation rate at Japan's 10 nuclear power companies
fell to an average 49.1 percent in April from 52.9 percent in
March, government data showed on Wednesday. April's run rate was
the lowest since June 2003.

The April rate compared with 64.9 percent a year earlier, the
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said.

Hokuriku Electric Power Co (9505.T: Quote, Profile, Research) restarted its sole
nuclear plant in April, but technical trouble led to an unplanned
shutdown shortly after.

<snip>