On July 13, "Basic Policies for Reforming the Electric Power System" was released by a panel of experts organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). It was subtitled "Aiming for an Power System Open to All Citizens."
The two main policy pillars are: (1) separation of electricity generation and transmission, both of which are now controlled by the power companies and (2) retail liberalization of electric power.
A look at these slogans may give the impression that the power industry has surrendered to public demands for thorough reform of the system of electricity generation and supply, which the utility companies now monopolize in the regions they service.