Electricity Providers & Plans in Tokyo: A Complete Housing Guide

Overview of Electricity Supply in Japan

Japan’s power market was liberalized in stages, with full retail deregulation for households in 2016. Before that, regional utilities—like Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) in Kanto—operated as de facto monopolies. Today, newcomers (“new power companies” or 新電力) compete with legacy utilities, giving renters and homeowners in Tokyo the freedom to choose based on price, green energy content, billing convenience, and bundled perks.

Japan runs on 100V. Eastern Japan—including Tokyo—uses 50 Hz, while western Japan uses 60 Hz. Most modern appliances work nationwide, but very old or specialized equipment may specify frequency. When you move in, you’ll sign a contract that sets your amperage (A) and pricing plan, then activate service and the breaker. With dozens of providers and plan styles, the trick is matching your usage pattern to the right rate structure.

Key Providers in the Tokyo Area

You’ll encounter a mix of incumbents and new entrants. A non-exhaustive snapshot:

  • TEPCO (legacy utility): Broad plan lineup, English materials for key pages, conventional tiered pricing, wide support network.

  • Looop Denki: Known for straightforward pricing and strong online account control; often no basic fee plans that favor low–moderate users.

  • au Denki (KDDI): Bundles with au mobile/fiber; points and telecom discounts can tilt total monthly costs down if you’re already in their ecosystem.

  • SoftBank Denki: Similar bundle logic for SoftBank/Y!mobile users; sometimes includes internet set discounts.

  • Rakuten Denki: Earn Rakuten Points; convenient if you’re already deep in Rakuten services.

  • ENEOS Denki: From a major energy group; electricity-only or power+gas bundles with loyalty benefits.

Availability, campaigns, and detailed tariffs change frequently. Always check current rates, minimum terms, and green options before you choose.

How Electricity Plans Work: The Two-Part Bill

Most plans combine:

  1. Basic fee (基本料金) linked to your contracted amperage (A)—the maximum instantaneous load your home can draw without tripping the main breaker.

  2. Usage charge (従量料金) per kWh. Some plans have tiers (higher tiers cost more), others are flat or time-of-use.

Who benefits from what?

  • Singles/couples in compact units with modest air-con and appliance use may prefer no basic fee or low-A contracts.

  • Families with frequent air-con, larger fridges, many devices, or induction cooking usually favor lower per-kWh rates, even if the basic fee is higher.

Understanding Contract Amperage (A)

Common residential choices are 20A, 30A, 40A, 50A, 60A. The higher the amperage, the more appliances you can run simultaneously without tripping the breaker.

Quick rule of thumb:

  • 20–30A: Studios/1K/1DK with limited simultaneous device use.

  • 40A: 1LDK–2LDK with moderate usage.

  • 50–60A: Larger households, frequent heating/cooling, many devices.

If you often trip breakers, consider increasing A; if your bills are high and you never trip, a lower A may save on the basic fee. Changing A sometimes requires a quick visit to swap fuses or reconfigure the breaker—ask your provider.

Plan Types You’ll See

  • Tiered (従量電灯B/C): Classic model: the first block of kWh is cheapest; higher blocks cost more. Good for predictable, moderate-to-high usage.

  • Flat/unit rate: Single price per kWh. Simple, transparent; can be competitive for steady usage profiles.

  • No basic fee: Pay only per kWh. Great for light users or part-time stays; less ideal for high-use households.

  • Time-of-use (TOU): Off-peak cheaper, peak pricier. Works if you can shift laundry, dishwashers, and EV charging to nights/weekends.

  • Green/renewable plans: Some providers offer 100% renewable or carbon-offset electricity for a small premium; attractive if sustainability matters.

Setting Up Electricity in a New Apartment or House

1) Find your breaker (ブレーカー)
Usually near the entrance. You’ll see a main breaker and sub-breakers for room circuits. Leave it OFF until your start date is confirmed.

2) Apply with a provider
Online is fastest. You’ll need:

  • Name, address, move-in/start date

  • Desired amperage (A)

  • Payment method (bank account or credit card)

  • Previous occupant’s meter number if available (not mandatory)

3) Activation
Most modern buildings don’t require a technician visit for standard contracts. On/after the start date, flip the main breaker to ON. If your meter is smart (smart meter), activation can be remote.

4) First bill
Expect monthly billing. Choose e-bills or physical statements. For convenience store payment, bring the barcoded slip before the due date; otherwise set up auto-debit or credit card.

Reading a Japanese Electricity Bill

Typical fields to recognize:

  • 契約容量 (keiyaku yōryō): Contracted amperage.

  • ご使用量 (goshiyō ryō): Usage in kWh.

  • ご請求金額 (goseikyū kingaku): Amount due.

  • 検針期間 / ご使用期間: Billing period dates.

  • お支払期限: Payment due date.

  • 供給地点特定番号: Supply point ID (useful when switching).

With online dashboards, you can view daily/hourly data (if smart meter) to spot spikes and optimize habits.

Cost Control: Practical Ways to Lower Bills

Air-conditioning/heating:

  • Keep filters clean; a clogged filter forces longer compressor cycles.

  • Use dehumidify (除湿) during muggy seasons; it can feel cooler with less energy than strong cooling.

  • Seal drafts around windows; use curtains or blinds to reduce heat exchange.

Appliances & lighting:

  • Switch to LED; old CFL/halogen bulbs quietly burn money.

  • Unplug idle chargers, toaster ovens, rice cookers with always-on displays. Standby adds up.

  • Choose inverter appliances (fridge, AC, washer) rated highly on Japan’s energy labels.

Habits & scheduling:

  • If you have TOU pricing, run dishwashers, washers, and dryers at night/off-peak.

  • Batch cooking and efficient rice cooker usage (use “eco” settings) curb peak loads.

Contract tuning:

  • If you never trip the breaker, try a lower A at your next plan review.

  • Compare no basic fee vs. low unit price plans using your last 3–6 months’ kWh; the crossover point is often between light and moderate users.

Bundling for Simplicity (and Sometimes Savings)

Telecom companies and gas suppliers offer electricity bundles:

  • Mobile + Electricity: Discounts, monthly points, or fee waivers for au/SoftBank users.

  • Power + Gas: Single bill, small combo discounts, and loyalty programs (e.g., ENEOS).

  • E-commerce ecosystems: Paying your bill may earn points redeemable for shopping or travel.

Run the math on total household spend, not electricity in isolation. A slightly higher kWh rate could still win if bundle perks offset your internet or mobile bill.

English Support and Newcomer Tips

  • Language: TEPCO and several new providers publish English pages for sign-up and FAQs. Third-party comparison sites also summarize tariffs, though depth and freshness vary.

  • Moving in/out: Set a start date as soon as you know your keys-handover timing. For moving out, submit a stop date at least a few business days ahead to avoid overlapping with the next tenant.

  • Name on contract: Use your official name as on your residence card. If two adults share, pick one as the primary holder for utilities to keep paperwork tidy.

  • Payment method: Credit card is easiest for newcomers; bank debits require a Japanese account and sometimes an approval window.

Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)

  • Over-contracting amperage: Paying a higher basic fee than you need. Start modestly (e.g., 30A) and raise only if you trip often.

  • Ignoring peak usage: Running heater, microwave, hair dryer, and kettle at once causes nuisance trips; stagger heavy loads.

  • Not checking minimum terms: Some promotional plans have minimum months or early-termination fees. Confirm before switching.

  • Forgetting the stop request: If you move without submitting a stop date, you may keep accruing basic fees.

  • Chasing points without math: Loyalty points are great, but verify that the effective unit price plus perks beats simpler alternatives.

Switching Providers: How and When

You can switch anytime unless your current plan has a fixed term or penalty. The new provider usually handles the paperwork, and there’s no interruption to your power. Good times to switch:

  • After a season when you’ve seen actual usage (e.g., post-summer AC spike), so you can model savings.

  • When bundle circumstances change (new internet carrier, new phone plan).

  • When a provider launches a campaign that suits your profile.

Keep your supply point ID handy and a recent bill with kWh history. If you have a smart meter (most Tokyo homes do), switching is typically administrative.

Quick Estimator: Matching Usage to Plan Style

  • Light User (≤150 kWh/month, 20–30A): Consider no basic fee or flat plans.

  • Average Urban Household (200–350 kWh/month, 30–40A): Compare tiered vs. flat; the winner depends on tier thresholds and campaigns.

  • High User (≥400 kWh/month, 50–60A, electric heating): Look for low per-kWh plans or TOU if you can shift laundry/EV charging overnight.

  • Green Priority: Choose providers offering 100% renewable or carbon-offset options; confirm whether certificates (J-credits, etc.) are included.

What to Prepare for Your Housing File

Create a simple utilities sheet for your household binder or cloud folder:

  • Provider name, plan type, contracted A

  • Supply point ID, customer number

  • Billing method (card/bank), due date reminder

  • Last 12 months’ usage and spend

  • Notes on tripping events and seasonal spikes

This makes renewals, apartment applications, and future moves faster—and helps you spot savings opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Tokyo’s deregulated electricity market gives you genuine choice. Start by estimating your monthly kWh and deciding what you value most: lowest possible cost, simplicity, or sustainability. Pick an amperage that fits your simultaneous load, compare basic fee + unit price across a few providers (including any bundle perks), and revisit after your first high-usage season. With a little upfront attention, you can lock in a plan that keeps the lights on, your bills predictable, and—if you want—your carbon footprint lower.

FAQs

What changed after Japan’s electricity market deregulation in 2016?

Before 2016, households typically had to use the regional incumbent utility—TEPCO in the Tokyo area. With deregulation, you can choose from dozens of retail electricity providers (“new power companies” or 新電力). They all deliver power over the same physical grid, so reliability is not tied to your retail choice. Competition introduced diverse plans, green power options, and bundle discounts with gas, internet, and mobile services.

Who are the main electricity providers I’ll see in Tokyo?

Common names include TEPCO (incumbent), Looop Denki, ENEOS Denki, au Denki (KDDI), SoftBank Denki, and Rakuten Denki. Availability, promotions, and exact tariffs change frequently, so compare current offers. Incumbents tend to have broad support networks and classic tiered plans, while newcomers often emphasize digital sign-up, simpler pricing, or points/loyalty programs.

How do typical electricity bills in Tokyo work?

Most plans have two parts: (1) a basic fee based on your contracted amperage (A) and (2) a usage charge per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Some plans are tiered (higher consumption blocks cost more), some are flat-rate per kWh, and some are time-of-use with cheaper off-peak hours. Your monthly total is the basic fee plus the usage charge, taxes, and any plan-specific adjustments.

What is “contract amperage (A)” and how do I choose it?

Amperage caps the maximum instantaneous load you can draw without tripping the main breaker. Typical residential choices are 20A–60A. Studios and 1K homes often use 20–30A; 1LDK–2LDK may use 30–40A; larger or high-usage homes often choose 50–60A. If you frequently trip the breaker when multiple appliances run at once, your amperage may be too low. If you never trip and pay a high basic fee, consider stepping down.

What documents and information do I need to start service?

You’ll usually need your name, address, desired start date, preferred amperage, and payment method (credit card or bank account). A recent bill from the previous occupant or the meter/supply point number can help but is not always required. Most providers allow online applications and remote activation if a smart meter is installed.

Do I need a technician visit to activate electricity?

Often no. In many modern buildings, activation is done remotely. After your start date is confirmed, you simply flip the main breaker to ON. A physical visit may be needed if the meter must be replaced, the amperage needs reconfiguration, or the building lacks a smart meter.

What should I look for when comparing plans?

Focus on how you use energy. Low users (≤150 kWh/month) may prefer no-basic-fee or flat plans. Average users (200–350 kWh/month) should compare tiered versus flat pricing using recent kWh data. High users (≥400 kWh/month) might benefit from lower per-kWh rates or time-of-use plans if they can shift laundry and EV charging off-peak. Check minimum terms, early termination fees, renewable content, and any bundle discounts or loyalty points.

Are there 100% renewable or low-carbon plans?

Yes. Several providers offer 100% renewable electricity or carbon-offset products, sometimes with a small premium. If sustainability is a priority, verify the mechanism (e.g., certificates, J-credits) and whether the plan’s green content is guaranteed or “best effort.”

How do I read key fields on a Japanese electricity bill?

Look for: 契約容量 (contract amperage), ご使用量 (kWh used), ご請求金額 (amount billed), 検針期間/ご使用期間 (billing period), お支払期限 (due date), and 供給地点特定番号 (supply point ID). With online accounts, you can often see daily or hourly usage history to spot spikes and optimize appliances.

What’s the difference between tiered, flat, and time-of-use plans?

Tiered: Price per kWh increases at defined usage thresholds—predictable for steady, moderate-to-high use.
Flat: One price per kWh—simple and transparent; can be favorable for light users or consistent profiles.
Time-of-Use: Cheap off-peak, expensive peak. Best if you can schedule laundry, dishwashers, and charging overnight or on weekends.

Is a no-basic-fee plan always cheaper?

No. No-basic-fee plans work well for light or intermittent use. As monthly kWh rises, plans with a basic fee but lower unit rates often become cheaper. Use your last 3–6 months of kWh to model a crossover point. Some providers publish calculators; otherwise, you can approximate in a spreadsheet by plugging in kWh and comparing totals.

Can I bundle electricity with internet, mobile, or gas?

Yes. au Denki, SoftBank Denki, ENEOS Denki, and others offer bundles with points and bill credits. Bundles make most sense if you already use those services. Evaluate the household’s total monthly spend (phone, internet, gas, power) rather than electricity alone; small electricity savings can be outweighed by larger telecom discounts or vice versa.

How do I switch providers, and will my power go out?

Switching is typically administrative and does not interrupt service. The new provider handles most paperwork. You may need your supply point ID and a recent bill. Watch for fixed-term contracts or early termination fees on promotional plans. Time your switch after a high-usage season so you can compare real-world data and verify savings.

What payment methods are available?

Most providers accept credit cards, bank auto-debit, and convenience store slips. Newcomers often find credit cards easiest. E-billing is common and reduces paper mail. If you use convenience stores, pay before the due date to avoid late fees or service warnings.

What are practical ways to reduce electricity costs?

Improve AC efficiency by cleaning filters, closing drafts, and using dehumidify mode in humid seasons. Switch to LED lighting. Unplug idle electronics and chargers to cut standby draw. Choose high-efficiency inverter appliances. If you have time-of-use pricing, run laundry and dishwashers off-peak. Revisit your amperage annually; if you never trip breakers, a lower A can reduce the basic fee.

I’m a tenant. Does my landlord decide the provider?

Usually, individual units choose and pay their own electricity. However, some buildings have bulk contracts or master metering. In those cases, you may be required to use the building’s arrangement or have limited retail options. Check your lease, move-in guide, or building rules before changing providers.

What if I keep tripping the breaker?

Simultaneous use of high-wattage appliances (microwave, hair dryer, heater, kettle) may exceed your contracted amperage. Short-term fixes include staggering appliance use and turning off nonessential circuits. Long term, consider increasing amperage through your provider. A technician might need to adjust or replace hardware depending on the panel and building.

How do frequency and voltage affect my appliances?

Japan uses 100V nationwide, with 50 Hz in Tokyo and most of eastern Japan. Modern devices typically handle both 50/60 Hz, but check older or specialized appliances. Imported devices rated for 110–120V may run underpowered at 100V; transformers or Japan-specific models may be required for proper performance and safety.

What English support can I expect?

Large incumbents and some new providers maintain English pages for sign-up and FAQs, though depth varies. Comparison sites can be helpful for initial screening. If you’re not confident in Japanese, prioritize providers with English dashboards, e-billing, and English-speaking support lines.

What should I do when moving out?

Submit a stop request a few business days before your move-out to avoid paying after you leave. Provide your forwarding address or email for the final bill or any refund/adjustment. If you’re switching cities, keep a copy of recent bills and your supply point ID—it speeds up new service elsewhere.

Are fixed-term contracts worth it?

They can be, especially if they offer promotional rates, points, or bill credits. However, read the fine print: early termination fees can erase savings if you move early or switch providers soon. If your housing situation is uncertain, a flexible month-to-month plan may be safer even if the headline kWh rate is slightly higher.

What data should I keep for ongoing optimization?

Maintain a simple log: provider, plan name, contracted amperage, supply point ID, monthly kWh, monthly cost, and notes about seasonal spikes or breaker trips. After six to twelve months, you’ll have enough data to re-quote plans with confidence and to decide whether TOU, a different amperage, or a bundle will save more.

How can I choose quickly if I don’t want to overthink it?

Estimate your usage: light (≤150 kWh), average (200–350 kWh), or high (≥400 kWh). Pick an amperage that matches your simultaneous load: 30A for compact homes, 40A for moderate households, 50–60A for larger or high-demand setups. Compare one incumbent plan and two new providers (one flat/no-basic-fee, one tiered or TOU). Choose the lowest estimated annual total, confirm there’s no penalty you can’t accept, and revisit after your first high-usage season.

Tokyo Housing Guide: Where to Live, What It Costs, and How to Get Started