How to Change Electricity Providers in Tokyo

Poste date: Friday, June 20, 2025

In Japan, you are free to choose your electricity and gas supplier. Some providers may offer lower electricity and gas rates than what you're currently paying.

Here, we introduce the benefits of switching providers.

Before switching a provider, please check your current contract if there are any conditions on the length of the contract. Depending on the contract, there may be a cancellation fee if you cancel during the contract period, so it is important to check your current contract beforehand.

To learn about utility prices in Japan, please refer to "Public Utility Prices in Japan".

How to Switch your Electricity or Gas Provider

Many people may think that switching providers is a difficult task, but the procedure is very simple.

The first step is to choose the electricity or gas provider you want to switch to. Once you have selected and contacted the electricity provider, the next step is simply to give them your information. This can be done online or over the phone. As mentioned above, you need to be careful about the end date of your current contract and cancellation policy, as switching plans before the end of your contract could result in high cancellation fees.

In general, the information required is as follows:

Your name
Your address
Your current electricity supplier
Customer number issued by your current electricity supplier (お客様番号)
22-digit electricity supply point identification number (地点番号 / optional)
＊The last three pieces of information can be found on your electricity bill.

After you have signed a contract with your new electricity provider, you do not have to worry about contacting your current provider to cancel your contract. Your new provider will cancel your contract with your current provider on your behalf.

Once your new provider has cancelled your contract, you will be informed that your electricity contract has been switched over. You can rest assured that there will be no power outage during the switch. The changeover will be smooth.

Plastic Shopping Bags will be Charged in Japan Starting in July 2020

Eco-Bags are reusable shopping bags which consumers bring to supermarkets. You will be obliged to pay for plastic bags from July 2020 at shops. The law applies to all retail stores including convenience stores like Familymart, Seven-Eleven or Lawson. In Japan the shopping bags brought by consumers are called “Eco-Bag” or “My Bag”.
Convenience Store Services in Japan

Convenience stores in Japan are exactly what their name suggests. They offer many services that will raise your expectations of what a convenience store should be. Want to buy concert tickets, ship a package, buy lunch, or pay your utility bills all at the same place? Go to your nearest “conbini”!
How to Pay Utility Bills in Japan

Electricity, gas, and water are the basic utility services needed for everyday life. In Japan there are many convenient ways in which you can pay your utility bills. Here's some info on the rate structure and the payment methods available to those living in Japan.
How to Use a Japanese Washing Machine

Learn everything you need to know about laundry in Japan: how to use a Japanese washing machine, buy Japanese laundry detergent, and more!
Japan Post Office Tips: Finding your Way

Need to mail something or pick up a package while living in Japan? Japan has a highly efficient postal system with 24,000 post offices scattered all over the country. The Japanese Postal System also offers a number of financial services, some of which are exceedingly convenient to visitors from abroad.
Redeliveries in Japan: Japan Post, Kuroneko, Sagawa & Amazon

Find out how to successfully reschedule a delivery with Japan’s most popular couriers: Japan Post, Yamato Transport, Sagawa Express, and Amazon Japan.