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Press Releases & News

March 14,2003
The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc.

Submission of the Final Report on the Comprehensive Evaluation to Confirm the Appropriateness of Voluntary Inspections at Nuclear Power Plan
The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. today submitted to the Nuclear and Industrial Agency, Fukui Prefecture and other local governments its "Final Report on the Comprehensive Evaluation to Confirm the Appropriateness of Voluntary Inspections at Nuclear Power Plants." On September 4, 2002, Kansai Electric Power established the Study Committee on Voluntary Inspections at Nuclear Power Plants under the chairmanship of the company's president. The company took this step on the instructions of the Nuclear and Industrial Agency, under the direction of local government. Through this committee, we implemented a comprehensive evaluation of the inspection practices at our facilities. This evaluation was undertaken by nuclear engineers as well as third parties within the company, such as employees in other engineering and administrative departments. We also invited academics and other third parties outside the company to submit their opinions regarding the evaluation process and its results. On November 15, 2002, we produced an interim report on the results of the evaluation, which addressed inspection records of the most important components of nuclear power plants such as reactor vessels and core internals. The report proved that our nuclear power plants had employed no inappropriate practices. The evaluation was concluded following an examination of the major secondary system components and others. The results are summarized in the final report. Reflecting the findings of the interim report, the final report confirmed that the company's voluntary inspections involved no deceptive practices. This report demonstrated that the system of voluntary internal inspections is well established and that measures to prevent malpractice at nuclear power plants have been properly implemented. Nevertheless, the examination revealed minor omission of information. Although subject to voluntary disclosure, it should have been communicated to the industry in the interests of effective quality control. Furthermore, it was found that some work reports had been misplaced and that incorrect information had been entered in some inspection reports. In order to rectify these irregularities, we have renewed our commitment to remedying our quality assurance activities. Kansai Electric Power will rededicate its efforts to ensuring the safe and stable operation of our nuclear power plants in order to earn the trust of each member of public, particularly those living in the areas that have accommodated our nuclear installations.