With Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s rate increase for businesses looming from Sunday, politicians were trying to somehow stop the move or at least make sure the utility won't resort to drastic actions against those customers unwilling to go along with the hike, such as cutting off their power.
"I don't think (Tepco) understands that it is in an extraordinary situation," Saitama Gov. Kiyoshi Ueda said Wednesday night after meeting with Tepco President Toshio Nishizawa.
Ueda also said the utility doesn't appear to be taking seriously the support it is getting through public funds.