TOKYO, May 20 (Reuters) - Economics Minister Kaoru Yosano said he is not considering separating the generating and distribution of power, an idea floated recently as a potential pillar of energy policy.
'Making proposals is fine but we have to consider both advantages and disadvantages,' Yosano said at a news conference after a cabinet meeting on Friday.
Japan is rethinking its energy policy after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami knocked out a nuclear power plant and damaged other plants, triggering a radiation scare and causing power shortages.
Some experts have called for generation and distribution of power to be separated so as to boost competition and make it easier for new entrants including providers of renewable energy.
But others say a breakup would cause instability in power supply.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan said earlier in the week that debate on energy policy would turn towards splitting the two functions.
(Reporting by Rie Ishiguro, writing by Shinichi Saoshiro; Editing by Michael Watson) Keywords: JAPAN ENERGY/SEPARATION (shinichi.saoshiro@thomsonreuters.com)(If you have a query or comment on this story, send an email to)(news.feedback.asia@thomsonreuters.com) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.
'Making proposals is fine but we have to consider both advantages and disadvantages,' Yosano said at a news conference after a cabinet meeting on Friday.
Japan is rethinking its energy policy after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami knocked out a nuclear power plant and damaged other plants, triggering a radiation scare and causing power shortages.
Some experts have called for generation and distribution of power to be separated so as to boost competition and make it easier for new entrants including providers of renewable energy.
But others say a breakup would cause instability in power supply.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan said earlier in the week that debate on energy policy would turn towards splitting the two functions.
(Reporting by Rie Ishiguro, writing by Shinichi Saoshiro; Editing by Michael Watson) Keywords: JAPAN ENERGY/SEPARATION (shinichi.saoshiro@thomsonreuters.com)(If you have a query or comment on this story, send an email to)(news.feedback.asia@thomsonreuters.com) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.