Nagoya

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Public Utilities

Access to electricity, water, gas, and waste disposal services in Nagoya.

Sections

1. Water Supply

The water supply in Nagoya is managed by the Nagoya City Waterworks and Sewerage Bureau. The city provides clean and safe drinking water, and the service is reliable and efficient.

Costs

  • Basic Monthly Fee: The cost depends on the size of the water meter and the amount of water used. For a standard household (20mm meter), the basic fee starts at around ¥1,200–¥1,500 per month.
  • Usage Charges: Water usage is charged per cubic meter (m³). For residential use, the rate is approximately ¥200–¥300 per m³.
  • Sewerage Fee: Sewerage services are billed together with water supply and typically cost around ¥1,000–¥2,000 per month, depending on usage.

Setting Up an Account

  • Online: You can set up your water account through the Nagoya City Waterworks and Sewerage Bureau’s website. The website is available in Japanese, so non-Japanese speakers may need assistance or use translation tools.
  • Offline: Visit the nearest Waterworks Customer Service Center or call their customer service hotline (052-884-5959). You will need:
    • Your address
    • Move-in date
    • Contact information
  • Payment Options: Payments can be made via bank transfer, credit card, or at convenience stores.

Local Considerations

  • If you are moving into a new residence, ensure the water supply is turned on. You may need to contact the bureau to activate the service.
  • Water quality in Nagoya is excellent, and tap water is safe to drink.

2. Electricity

Electricity in Nagoya is primarily supplied by Chubu Electric Power (Chubu Denryoku), one of Japan’s major utility companies.

Costs

  • Basic Monthly Fee: The basic fee depends on the capacity of your electricity contract (measured in kilowatts, kW). For a typical household, the basic fee is around ¥300–¥500 per kW.
  • Usage Charges: Electricity usage is charged per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Rates vary depending on the time of day and the plan you choose, but the average cost is around ¥25–¥30 per kWh.
  • Renewable Energy Surcharge: A small surcharge (around ¥2–¥3 per kWh) is added to support renewable energy initiatives.

Setting Up an Account

  • Online: You can register for electricity service on the Chubu Electric Power website. The site offers English support for basic services.
  • Offline: Call Chubu Electric Power’s customer service (0120-985-230) or visit a local service center. You will need:
    • Your address
    • Move-in date
    • Preferred electricity plan
  • Payment Options: Payments can be made via direct debit, credit card, or at convenience stores.

Local Considerations

  • Nagoya experiences hot summers and cold winters, so electricity usage for air conditioning and heating can be high. Consider energy-efficient appliances and plans that offer discounts for off-peak usage.
  • Smart meters are common, allowing you to monitor your electricity usage online.

3. Gas

Gas services in Nagoya are provided by Toho Gas, which supplies city gas (natural gas) for cooking, heating, and hot water.

Costs

  • Basic Monthly Fee: The basic fee depends on the size of the gas meter and starts at around ¥800–¥1,000 per month.
  • Usage Charges: Gas usage is charged per cubic meter (m³). Rates vary but are typically around ¥150–¥200 per m³.

Setting Up an Account

  • Online: You can apply for gas service on the Toho Gas website. The site is primarily in Japanese, so assistance may be needed for non-Japanese speakers.
  • Offline: Call Toho Gas customer service (052-872-7711) or visit a local service center. You will need:
    • Your address
    • Move-in date
    • Contact information
  • Payment Options: Payments can be made via bank transfer, credit card, or at convenience stores.

Local Considerations

  • When moving into a new residence, a technician from Toho Gas will need to visit your home to activate the gas supply and check appliances for safety. You must be present during this visit.
  • Gas appliances in Japan often require specific connectors, so check compatibility if bringing your own appliances.

4. Waste Management

Nagoya has a strict and organized waste management system, with garbage separated into several categories. The city provides detailed guidelines to ensure proper disposal.

Categories of Waste

  1. Burnable Waste (Moeru Gomi): Kitchen waste, paper, small wood items.
  2. Non-Burnable Waste (Moenai Gomi): Metal items, glass, ceramics.
  3. Recyclables:
    • Cans, Bottles, and PET Bottles: Must be rinsed and sorted.
    • Paper and Cardboard: Must be bundled and tied.
  4. Large Items (Sodai Gomi): Furniture, appliances, etc. Requires a special pickup request.
  5. Hazardous Waste: Batteries, fluorescent lights, etc.

Costs

  • Regular waste collection is free, but you must use designated garbage bags, which can be purchased at supermarkets and convenience stores.
  • Large items require a disposal fee, typically ¥500–¥2,000, depending on the item.

Waste Collection Schedule

  • Each neighborhood has a specific collection schedule. Check with your local ward office or the Nagoya City website for details.
  • Garbage must be placed at the designated collection point by 8:00 AM on the scheduled day.

Local Considerations

  • Improper sorting of garbage can result in fines or your garbage not being collected.
  • Nagoya provides multilingual waste disposal guides, which are helpful for non-Japanese speakers.

General Tips for Setting Up Utilities in Nagoya

  1. Language Support: While some utility companies offer English support, most services are conducted in Japanese. Consider seeking assistance from a Japanese-speaking friend, your employer, or a relocation service.
  2. Moving In: Notify utility providers at least a week before your move-in date to ensure services are activated on time.
  3. Payment Methods: Bank transfers and convenience store payments are common and convenient. Setting up automatic payments can help avoid missed bills.
  4. Energy-Saving Tips: Nagoya’s summers and winters can lead to high utility bills. Use energy-efficient appliances and consider plans that offer discounts for off-peak usage.

By understanding these details, you’ll be well-prepared to manage your utilities in Nagoya efficiently. If you need further assistance, feel free to ask!