A plan is in the works to effectively nationalize Tokyo Electric Power Co. to prevent the beleaguered utility from going bankrupt, sources said Thursday.
Tepco and a government-backed funding entity are considering strengthening its financial standing by ¥3 trillion over a four-year period starting next fiscal year through an injection of public funds and additional loans from banks, according to the sources.
The plan is also intended to ensure that massive compensation payments related to the Fukushima nuclear crisis are carried out without a hitch, the sources said.