So you want to switch electricity providers? You’re not alone, a lot of people in Japan switch their electricity providers every day, it’s actually pretty common. There are a bunch of reasons you’d want to switch electricity providers such as looking for cheaper electricity rates or you want an electricity provider with better English support.
You may feel that the task of switching electricity providers in Japan can be quite difficult but actually, it’s quite easy.
First, you should know that electricity providers and retailers are not usually the company producing the electricity. Your current electricity provider’s main responsibility is making contracts and billing customers for their electricity usage. They serve as an intermediary offering different prices.
This makes switching electricity providers in Japan pretty easy as switching electricity retailers means just making a new contract with a different provider for electricity supply. Hopefully, at a better price.
Why Switch Electricity Providers?
For many people who switch their electricity provider, the main reason is to lower the cost of their electricity bills. There are about 700 electricity providers in Japan and to stay competitive with each other they need to offer competitive prices.
Some electricity providers only specialise in retailing electricity. This means that they don’t incur the large costs of electricity generation, transmission infrastructure, and specialised labour. This cost savings can be passed on to consumers by offering lower electricity rates. The flip side of this is that electricity retailers who purchase electricity from generators wholesale can trickle down the cost of infrastructure development to customers with higher rates.
In any matter, specialised electricity retailers can better manage price fluctuations than large electricity retailers can. So, it’s always a good idea to compare the differences between electricity providers to find which one is best for you.
On top of offering competitive prices, electricity providers may also entice consumers by offering special packages or benefits. There is a huge amount of electricity providers in Japan to choose from, with some providers even being part of larger companies. These providers may combine their electricity service with other services they offer.
Find an energy provider that offers the best contract for you, ideally one that has a flexible cancellation policy, a focus on reducing your carbon footprint, and high-quality customer service. For foreigners living in Japan, finding an electricity provider that has English support is also highly beneficial.
What Changes After Switching Electricity Providers?
Some people believe that changing your electricity provider might change the quality of the electricity you receive. This is not true and is a common misunderstanding. The electricity supplied after changing provider is the same as the electricity you had before.
When you change electricity retailers in Japan you are just changing retailers, not any any infrastructure or wiring. The same electricity is provided using the same infrastructure, with the only thing changing being your contract, bill, and the services your new provider offers.
How to Switch Electricity Providers in Japan
Now that we know why you may want to switch electricity providers in Japan as well as what will change, let’s cover how to switch your electricity provider in Japan. The great thing is that it is actually pretty easy to switch your electricity provider in Japan. In fact, it can be done in just four easy steps.
1. Choose a Power Company
The first step is to select the electricity provider you would like to switch to. When doing your research and selecting an electricity retailer there are a few questions you should ask:
- What are the benefits of this contract?
- Are there any additional charges?
- Are there conditions on the duration of the contract?
- Is there a cancellation fee?
- If I have any issues, who will be my main point of contact?
- Are there any green energy options?
- Is English support offered?
Be careful of plans with low starting rates, as the rates my skyrocket after the promotion ends. Read the fine print for any extra fees or penalties.
Only a few companies, such as Hinatao Energy offer full English support. Using an energy provider with full English support will hep make you feel more secure and comfortable.
2. Give Your Information
Once you have selected an electricity provider you want to switch to and contacted them, the next step is to simply give them your info. This can be done online or over the phone. Just be mindful of your current contract end dates or cancelation policies because switching plans before the contract ends could result in high cancelation fees.
To switch to your new power provider all you have to do is give them your infomation to complete the switching process. Typically the information you need to give them is:
- Your name
- Your address
- Desired date of switching electricity retailer
- Your current electricity provider
- The customer number you have been issued by your current retailer
- The 22 digit electricity supply point identification number
You can find the last three pieces of information on your electricity bill.
3. Select Payment Method
After giving your information to the new electricity provider you want to switch to and starting the switching process, you will then need to choose a payment method. Most electricity providers accept credit card payment but some don’t accept automatic bank transfers, which is the most popular option amongst older providers.
4. Final Steps
At this point you can sit back and relax! After signing up with your new electricity provider you don’t need worry about contacting your current provider about cancelling. Your new provider will cancel your contract with your current provider for you.
Once your new provider has done that, you will be notified when you electricity contract has been switched. And don’t worry, there won’t be any blackouts during the switch. The change is smooth and easy.
It should be noted that if you are moving to a different location the procedure is different. You, not the new electricity provider, need to cancel the current contract. If you don’t do this, you may be billed for two different locations. You can cancel the current contract by calling your current electricity provider or via the internet.
Wrap Up
There are many reasons why you would want to switch your electricity provider in Japan. Maybe you want to lower your electric bill, or you want to go with a provider that offers extra benefits, or you need an electricity provider that provides English support.
Whatever your reason may be, switching electricity providers in Japan is actually, really easy. Switching can be done in four easy steps; just find a provider you want, give them your info, select a payment method, and then sit back and wait to be notified of the switch.
If you are looking to switch to a better electricity provider, then consider Hinatao Energy. Hinatao Energy is an electricity and gas provider with full English support. This means that Hinato Energy is really transparent with the points raised in step one.
With Hinatao Energy there is no minimum contract period, no sign-up fees, and no cancellation fees.
Sign up for Hinatao Energy now for a better, easier electricity experience in Japan.
