Japan's nuclear power plants are unlikely to resume operations by the end of the year because of the time it will take to complete safety checks under the new regulatory framework, a survey of the nation's operators of atomic reactors showed Sunday.

Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power station in Fukui Prefecture, which currently boasts the only two operational reactors in the country, is meanwhile scheduled to be suspended for an inspection in September, regardless of the new safety guidelines to be unveiled by the Nuclear Regulation Authority in July, according to the poll.

The survey, which canvassed nine regional utilities and Japan Atomic Power Co., also found that their financial burden is growing as they reinforce safety measures in response to the March 2011 meltdowns at the Fukushima No. 1 plant.