Corrective Measures Taken by Member Companies to Deal with the Y2K Issue

1. Measures Implemented by Member Companies
･	Committees have been established at each electric power company in the FEPC. The committees are chaired by the company vice president, and are responsible for the review of control systems and business management systems.
･	"The Committee for the Resolution of Computer-Related Year 2000 Issues" was established on 1 September 1998, with Hiroshi Araki, FEPC Chairman, as Committee Chairman.
･	Information about steps taken to deal with the issue is being gathered from banks, convenience stores and other rate collection agencies, as well as fuel suppliers.
･	Information about how electric companies are dealing with Y2K problems has been posted on the internet since the end of November 1998.
･	The committee is preparing a risk management plan that is designed to cover any unforeseen contingencies. The plan is scheduled for release in June 1999.
2. Progress
(1) Business Management Systems
･	Each company has already conducted a full inspection of business management system computer programs and chips, and confirmed which parts will need repair. As of December 1998, about 90 % of the repairs were complete. Completion of the remaining repairs is expected by the end of June 1999.
(2) Control Systems
･	Each company has already conducted a full inspection of control system computer programs and chips. As a result, we have confirmed that Y2K problems will not be the cause of any blackouts or disruptions in the electric power supply. This is because control systems directly relevant to electric power supply at power plants and substations do not use information relating to the year, month or date at any level that will influence their functionality.
･	On the other hand, systems that handle periodic maintenance and recordkeeping naturally use date and time information extensively. For these systems, the necessary repairs are being carried out in accordance with regular maintenance schedules. As of December 1998, about 77 % of the repairs were complete. Completion of the remaining repairs is expected by the end of September 1999.
･ Measures Implemented by Member Companies (as of December 31, 1998)
Business Management Systems Control Systems number of programs in all systems approx. 450,000 total number of systems approx. 4,800 number of programs in essential systems approx. 95,000 number of essential systems approx. 1,600 number of programs in essential systems already repaired approx. 85,000 number of essential systems already repaired approx. 1,200 ratio of completion approx. 91% ratio of completion approx. 77% final schedule to be completed end of June 1999 final schedule to be completed within 1999 * The figures shown are totals for the ten electric power companies and the Japan Atomic Power Company.
( Reference )
Overview of Measures Implemented by Government Agencies and Electric Power Companies
21 August 1998 Created a cabinet-level executive committee within the "Advanced Information and Telecommunications Society Promotion Headquarters", with Hiroshi Araki, FEPC chairman as Executive Director. 　 8 September 1998 The first executive committee meeting was held. A draft of the government's action plan was discussed and the Y2K situation in Japan and other countries was reported on. 　 11 September 1998 Cabinet-level meeting of the "Executive Committee for an Advanced Information and Telecommunications Society Promotion Headquarters" was held, and an action plan was drawn up. 　 26 October 1998 Asked industries to address Y2K computer problems in the name of the Minister of International Trade and Industry. 　 9 November 1998 Asked industries to address Y2K computer problems according to the Action Plan in the name of the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy. 　 24 November 1998 The second executive committee meeting was held. Progress made at central government agencies and main private sectors to address Y2K computer problems was reported. The establishment of working groups was decided. 　 11 December 1998 The first meeting of the executive committee working group was held to begin drawing up a risk management plan, and determine what information will be needed to address the problem of date-sensitive microchips contained within various types of equipment and devices. 　 22 January 1999 The third executive committee meeting was held.