Jan 19 - BBC Monitoring Newsfile

Restrictions on the output of electricity have been lifted at the majority of Russian nuclear power stations because of increased energy consumption caused by the cold weather, Rosenergoatom's [Russian nuclear operator] press service has told RIA-Novosti.

"Output restrictions have been lifted at Russia's nuclear power stations because of the severe weather conditions and the increased energy consumption this has brought about," the press service said.

Rosenergoatom's press release, which reached RIA-Novosti on Thursday [19 January], says that "27 power units, with a combined output of 20,048 MW [an ITAR-TASS version says "2004 MW"], are currently operating at nuclear stations, with four undergoing repairs".

However, output restrictions have not been lifted at the Kola and Bilibino nuclear power stations, Rosenergoatom explained to RIA- Novosti.

[An ITAR-TASS version of this report at 1247 gmt quoted Rosenergoatom as saying "the company has scope to increase electricity output still further". The report said all 10 Russian nuclear power stations were working reliably and safely. It concluded:

"Rosenergoatom stressed that, on average, Russia's nuclear power stations generate 16 per cent of electricity used in the country. In European Russia this rises to 30 per cent. ]