Japan’s Old School Utilities Face Nuke Threat from Their Own

Japan’s traditional regional utilities, already defending their territory against nimbler new entrants, face a fresh threat: one of their own is now stealing customers thanks to cheaper nuclear-powered electricity rates.

Kansai Electric Power Co. is one of a few utilities to restart atomic power plants, which will allow it to offer cheaper rates as it continues its expansion outside of its traditional region, General Manager Michiya Sakata said April 27 after releasing earnings. Seven-Eleven Japan said April 26 that over 3,000 of its stores will switch contracts to Kansai Electric from utilities including Tokyo Electric Power Co. and Shikoku ...