Tepco Considers U.S. Help to Verify Nuclear Plant Safety

Tokyo Electric Power Co. is discussing whether to invite a U.S. utility to verify safety at its idled Kashiwazaki Kariwa plant, the first time an overseas power company would be asked to assess a Japanese nuclear plant.

While it is the role of Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority to judge whether plants meet safety standards, an opinion from an “experienced operator” would be helpful given the scrutiny Tepco is under, said Dale Klein, chairman of the company’s reform monitoring committee.