Nuclear shutdowns hit utility profits

摘要

Japanese utilities' increased reliance on thermal fuel hit their profitability in April-December. Eight of Japan's 10 main utilities swung to a loss in the first three quarters of the financial year from a profit in the year-earlier period. Profits at the other two firms declined. A shortage of nuclear power after the crisis at the FukushimaDaiichi nuclear plant forced utilities to buy more higher-priced thermal fuel. At the same time, electricity sales have declined because of energy-saving measures and a reduction in overall demand that stems from an economic slowdown.