Japan's nuclear power plant utilisation rate fell to an average 56.3 percent in October, the lowest since July 2003, industry data showed on Wednesday.

 The run rate at the 10 nuclear power companies has stayed relatively low since Tokyo Electric Power Co, Japan's top utility, shut down its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant following a powerful earthquake on July 16.  The nuclear operation rate for October was down from an 11-month low of 61.7 percent in September, the Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan said.

 Power demand in October rose to a record high for the month as higher than usual temperatures increased usage of air conditioners, while industrial activity was robust, the federation said.