Industry minister Takeo Hiranuma indicated Friday he wants nuclear reactors that have suspended operations for safety tests to be restarted to avoid power shortages in the summer.
Hiranuma, head of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, said, "Winning the understanding of local residents will be a basic premise" for restarting the reactors, which were shut down following a coverup scandal over safety-check reports.
"I will visit the areas and explain to local residents if necessary," Hiranuma said.
Fourteen of the 17 reactors in Niigata and Fukushima prefectures operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co. have been suspended for inspections following the discovery last August that the company had covered up reactor defects, including fractures in the facilities' shrouds.
The remaining reactors are scheduled to be shut down by mid-April for safety checks.
Tepco said it could face a capacity shortfall of 9.5 million kw this summer if the metropolitan area is hit by a heat wave and if all the reactors remain closed.
The 17 reactors, which generate a combined 17 million kw, provide 40 percent of the electricity needs for the Tokyo area.