Change of Scheduled Start of Commercial Operation at Tokuyama Hydroelectric Power Station Unit 1

Chubu Electric Power would like to announce that Tokuyama Hydroelectric Power Station Unit 1's start of commercial operation has been changed to March 2016 from the originally planned September 2015.

Test runs had been underway in the lead-up to starting Tokuyama Hydroelectric Power Station Unit 1's commercial operations, which was initially slated for June, but the station experienced an equipment deficiency this May (i.e. temperature rise in the thrust bearing*).

Chubu Electric Power concluded that insufficient cooling for the thrust bearing presumably caused this equipment deficiency, and made plans to start commercial operation in September upon installing additional coolers and carrying out other measures.

After subsequently engaging in countermeasures, Chubu Electric Power conducted a test run in July but discontinued it after confirming the thrust bearing's temperature rise. Internal inspections and surveys for the cause of this deficiency are currently underway.

We plan to press ahead with the survey on what caused the thrust bearing's temperature rise and perform countermeasures after identifying the cause. This will be followed by the commencement of commercial operation.

With continued understanding and cooperation of local residents and relevant parties, Chubu Electric Power will reliably survey the deficiency's cause and carry forward countermeasures.

*A device that supports the rotating part of hydraulic turbine generators

[Overview of Tokuyama Hydroelectric Power Station]