Kobe

๐Ÿ”Œ

Utilities

Guidance on setting up necessary services like electricity, water, and gas in Kobe.

Sections

1. Electricity in Kobe

Providers

  • The primary electricity provider in Kobe is Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) (้–ข่ฅฟ้›ปๅŠ›, Kansai Denryoku). KEPCO serves the Kansai region, including Kobe, Osaka, and Kyoto.
  • Since the deregulation of the electricity market in Japan, alternative providers (known as "new power companies") are also available, offering competitive rates and renewable energy options. Examples include Looop Denki and ENEOS Denki.

Setting Up Electricity

  • New Setup: If you are moving into a new residence, you can contact KEPCO or your chosen provider online or by phone to set up service. You will need:
    • Your address
    • Move-in date
    • Contact information
    • Bank account details for automatic payments (optional)
  • Transfer of Service: If the previous tenant used KEPCO, you can simply transfer the service to your name by contacting KEPCO with the meter number (found on the electricity meter or bill).

Costs

  • Basic Monthly Fee: ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ2,000, depending on the size of your home and the amperage (measured in amps, e.g., 20A, 30A, etc.).
  • Usage Charges: Approximately ยฅ20โ€“ยฅ30 per kWh. A typical household in Kobe spends around ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ10,000 per month on electricity.
  • Peak Seasons: Costs may rise in summer (air conditioning) and winter (heating).

Payment Methods

  • Automatic bank transfer (most common and convenient)
  • Credit card
  • Payment slips at convenience stores (ใ‚ณใƒณใƒ“ใƒ‹, konbini)
  • Online payment via the providerโ€™s website or app

Unique Considerations

  • Electricity in Kobe operates at 100V, 60Hz, so ensure your appliances are compatible.
  • Power outages are rare but may occur during natural disasters like typhoons or earthquakes. Keep a flashlight and emergency supplies handy.

2. Water in Kobe

Provider

  • Water services in Kobe are managed by the Kobe City Waterworks Bureau (็ฅžๆˆธๅธ‚ๆฐด้“ๅฑ€, Kobe-shi Suidลkyoku).

Setting Up Water Service

  • Contact the Kobe City Waterworks Bureau to start or transfer service. You can do this online, by phone, or in person at their office.
  • Information required:
    • Address
    • Move-in date
    • Contact information
    • Bank account details for automatic payments (optional)

Costs

  • Basic Monthly Fee: ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ2,000, depending on the size of your home.
  • Usage Charges: Approximately ยฅ200โ€“ยฅ300 per cubic meter (mยณ). A typical household spends around ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 per month on water.
  • Sewerage Fee: This is included in your water bill and is calculated based on water usage.

Payment Methods

  • Automatic bank transfer
  • Credit card
  • Payment slips at convenience stores
  • Online payment via the Kobe City Waterworks Bureau website

Unique Considerations

  • Kobe is known for its high-quality tap water, sourced from the Rokko Mountains. It is safe to drink and does not require additional filtration.
  • Water conservation is encouraged, especially during dry seasons.

3. Gas in Kobe

Providers

  • The main provider of gas in Kobe is Osaka Gas (ๅคง้˜ชใ‚ฌใ‚น, Osaka Gas), which supplies city gas (้ƒฝๅธ‚ใ‚ฌใ‚น, toshi gas) to most households.
  • Some rural areas may use propane gas (ใƒ—ใƒญใƒ‘ใƒณใ‚ฌใ‚น, propan gas), which is delivered by local suppliers.

Setting Up Gas Service

  • Contact Osaka Gas to set up or transfer service. You can do this online, by phone, or in person.
  • A technician will visit your home to turn on the gas and check for safety. You must be present during this appointment.
  • Information required:
    • Address
    • Move-in date
    • Contact information
    • Bank account details for automatic payments (optional)

Costs

  • Basic Monthly Fee: ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ2,000.
  • Usage Charges: Approximately ยฅ150โ€“ยฅ200 per cubic meter (mยณ). A typical household spends around ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ8,000 per month on gas.
  • Costs may increase in winter due to heating and hot water usage.

Payment Methods

  • Automatic bank transfer
  • Credit card
  • Payment slips at convenience stores
  • Online payment via the Osaka Gas website or app

Unique Considerations

  • City gas is more common in urban areas like Kobe, while propane gas is used in rural areas. Ensure you know which type your residence uses.
  • Gas is commonly used for cooking, water heating, and space heating.

4. Internet in Kobe

Providers

  • Major internet providers in Kobe include:
    • NTT West (FLETโ€™S Hikari): Offers fiber-optic internet.
    • KDDI (au Hikari): Another popular fiber-optic provider.
    • SoftBank Hikari: Offers bundled discounts if you use SoftBank mobile services.
    • J:COM: Provides cable internet and TV services.
    • Pocket Wi-Fi Providers: For temporary or portable internet, companies like SoftBank and WiMAX offer pocket Wi-Fi devices.

Setting Up Internet

  • Choose a provider and plan based on your needs (speed, data limits, and budget). Fiber-optic plans are the most common and reliable.
  • Contact the provider online or by phone to set up service. Installation may take 1โ€“2 weeks, and a technician may need to visit your home.
  • Required documents:
    • Residence address
    • Proof of identity (e.g., residence card or passport)
    • Bank account or credit card details for payment

Costs

  • Installation Fee: ยฅ10,000โ€“ยฅ20,000 (may be waived during promotions).
  • Monthly Fee: ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ6,000 for fiber-optic internet.
  • Pocket Wi-Fi: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 per month.

Payment Methods

  • Automatic bank transfer
  • Credit card
  • Payment slips at convenience stores

Unique Considerations

  • Many providers offer discounts if you bundle internet with mobile phone services.
  • Free public Wi-Fi is available in some areas of Kobe, such as train stations and shopping centers, but it is not widespread.

General Tips for Managing Utilities in Kobe

  1. Language Barrier: Most utility providers have English-speaking support or online forms in English. If not, consider using a translation app or asking a Japanese-speaking friend for assistance.
  2. Payment Deadlines: Utility bills are typically issued monthly. If you miss a payment, you may receive a reminder notice, and services could be suspended if the bill remains unpaid.
  3. Emergency Contacts:
    • Electricity (KEPCO): 0800-777-8810
    • Water (Kobe City Waterworks Bureau): 078-341-5451
    • Gas (Osaka Gas): 0120-5-94817
  4. Natural Disasters: Kobe is in an earthquake-prone region. Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and consider keeping a backup power source and bottled water.

By following these guidelines, you can efficiently set up and manage your utilities in Kobe, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience in your new home.