Japan kicks off power reforms but has to avoid German pitfalls

Tokyo

FOUR weeks into Japan's power market shake-up aimed at boosting choice and energy security, the utility at the centre of the 2011 nuclear crisis has borne the brunt of consumer defections, with nearly 470,000 users switching electricity providers.

The move underscores the anger at Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco), operator of the wrecked Fukushima power station, but has helped provide a solid start for the government's efforts to spur competition in its power sector.

Japan's reforms mark the biggest liberalisation si…