Japan has asked companies to limit their use of electricity during peak periods this summer after an earthquake forced the shutdown of the world's biggest nuclear generating plant, according to a report Friday.

Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Akira Amari on Friday said the operator of the plant, Tokyo Electric Power Co., told him there would be no electricity shortage if summer temperatures remain normal, said Reuters.

The world's largest nuclear generating plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa has been shut down for repairs and cleanup following an earthquake.
(Associated Press/Kyodo News)

However, Amari warned if temperatures soar, industry should limit their power use during peak periods, as people crank up their air conditioners.

TEPCO officials said they have asked six other Japanese power companies to help provide additional power in the case of a shortage.

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant has been shut down since Monday's 6.8-magnitude earthquake shook northwestern Japan, causing a small fire at the plant and a radiation leak.

Ten people died in the earthquake, which destroyed hundreds of homes.

TEPCO has been crititicized for a slow response to the fire and for failing to report the leak of water containing radioactive material until 12 hours after the earthquake. The company said it didn't find the tipped barrels until a search of the sprawling complex.

Japan sits atop four tectonic plates and is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries
(CBC)

On Thursday, Japanese media reported additional leaks at the plant.

Later that day, plant officials confirmed a radioactive leak from an exhaust vent was stopped. The company blamed employees for failing to follow procedure and turn off a fan.

A top government official said the trade and industry minister would issue a further "stern warning" to TEPCO.

TEPCO and nuclear regulators have stressed the amounts of radioactivity leaked were extremely low and posed no threat to the environment or local residents.

The seven reactors at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant shut down automatically when the quake hit, and the plant has been ordered closed indefinitely while inspections and repairs are carried out to assure it can be restarted safely.

With files from the Associated Press