Japan : 2 reactors in Hokkaido, Fukui in limbo for over a month

From Japan Today :

" TOKYO : Two reactors at nuclear power plants in Hokkaido and Fukui Prefecture have been in limbo in the final phase of their regular checkups in which they generate power as usual for tests for over a month longer than planned due to the nuclear crisis in Fukushima.

The situations at the Tomari plant in Hokkaido and the Oi plant in Fukui reflect heightened safety concerns about nuclear power, but some critics question the relevance of them supplying electricity before completing the legally mandated checkup.

The Tomari’s No. 3 reactor and the Oi’s No. 1 reactor were rebooted on March 7 and 10, respectively, before the March 11 earthquake and tsunami triggered the crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi plant, and had both been due to shift to commercial service in early April.

In the last phase of checkup, which is usually over in about a month, reactors generate the usual amounts of power for final checks for any irregularities before resuming commercial operation."