Japan is scheduled to launch a new energy policy by summer. The plan is expected to feature less dependency on nuclear power generation and liberalized utility fees for households.

The government is conducting a thorough review of the country's energy policy in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear crisis last March. On the agenda are a reduction of the nation's dependence on nuclear power generation, and a possible separation of power generation and distribution.

Discussions are underway at a panel of the ministry of economy and industry on resources and energy. The new policy will decide when and to what level the nation's dependence on nuclear power should be reduced.

It will set targets for a combination of thermal power generation, hydro power generation, and renewable energy options in the future, based on cost calculations.

The plan will also arrange the separation of power distribution from power generation. The revised policy is expected to show ways to invite new comers into the nation's power industry, and to liberalize utility fees for households.

The government faces the challenge of securing stable energy supplies because it hasn't yet come up with clear alternatives to nuclear power generation.

Source: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120109_08.

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