* November nuclear utilisation rate 8.5 pct pts higher yr/yr

* Rate up 3.1 pct pts m/m after restart of several units (Adds details, table)

TOKYO, Dec 1 (Reuters) - Japan's nuclear utilisation rate climbed year-on-year in November, rising for the third month in a row, as utilities increased power output ahead of winter.

The nuclear power plant utilisation rate at Japan's 10 nuclear power companies averaged 66.6 percent in November, 8.5 percentage points higher than a year ago, the trade ministry said on Tuesday.

Last month's nuclear run rate was also 3.1 percentage points higher than in October, reflecting the restart of several units before winter, when power demand typically rises as consumers increase electric heater use to combat colder weather.

The earlier restart of two reactors at Tokyo Electric Power Co's (TEPCO) 9501.T Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant has also given a boost to nuclear runs in the country this year.

TEPCO was forced to shut the seven units at the plant, the world's largest, over two years ago following a major earthquake in northern Japan.

Below is a list of nuclear power generators and the nuclear power plant utilisation rate for November, according to the data.

Nine Japanese utilities and electricity wholesaler Japan Atomic Power Co have 53 nuclear power generators for commercial use, with a total generating capacity of 47,935 megawatts, the world's third highest.

NOVEMBER

Company Run rate (%)

Hokkaido Electric Power Co 9509.T 102.7

Tohoku Electric Power Co 9506.T 67.7

Tokyo Electric Power Co 9501.T 61.7

Chubu Electric Power Co 9502.T 64.2

Hokuriku Electric Power Co 9505.T 60.1

Kansai Electric Power Co 9503.T 57.7

Chugoku Electric Power Co 9504.T 101.0

Shikoku Electric Power Co 9507.T 101.4

Kyushu Electric Power Co 9508.T 83.6