Japan's largest power utility is considering hiking regulated electricity rates for households.

The announcement by Tokyo Electric Power Company comes after surging fuel prices and a weaker yen have weighed heavily on its business.

The firm posted a consolidated net loss of 143.3 billion yen, or 968 million dollars, for the six months through September.

TEPCO says it will decide on details of a hike and seek government approval as soon as possible.

All of Japan's 10 major electricity providers have hiked their rates as much as they are allowed to under government regulation.

TEPCO and five others have decided or plan to raise their regulated rates.

All but one have posted net losses for the April to September period.