Sendai
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Public Utilities
Sections
1. Utility Categories in Sendai
The main public utilities in Sendai include:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water and Sewage
- Internet and Telecommunications
2. Electricity
Providers:
- The primary electricity provider in Sendai is Tohoku Electric Power Company (Tohoku Denryoku).
- Alternative providers (due to energy market deregulation) include companies like Looop Denki and ENEOS Denki, which may offer competitive rates.
Typical Costs:
- Single-person household: ยฅ4,000โยฅ6,000/month.
- Family household: ยฅ8,000โยฅ15,000/month.
- Costs vary depending on the season, with higher bills in winter due to heating and in summer due to air conditioning.
Payment Methods:
- Bank transfer (automatic withdrawal): The most common and convenient method.
- Convenience stores: You can pay your bill at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart.
- Credit card: Some providers allow online payment via credit card.
- Online banking: Available for most providers.
Setup Procedure:
- Contact the provider: Call Tohoku Electric Power or your chosen provider at least a few days before moving in.
- Provide details: Youโll need your address, move-in date, and personal information.
- Breaker activation: In most cases, youโll need to flip the breaker switch in your home to activate electricity. Instructions are usually left in your apartment.
Local Considerations:
- Energy-saving tips: Winters in Sendai can be cold, so consider using energy-efficient heating appliances like kerosene heaters (common in northern Japan) to reduce electricity costs.
- Power outages: Sendai occasionally experiences power outages due to natural disasters like earthquakes. Keep a flashlight and emergency supplies handy.
3. Gas
Providers:
- Sendai City Gas Bureau (Sendai Shigai Gasu) is the main provider for city gas.
- Some areas may use propane gas, which is supplied by private companies.
Typical Costs:
- Single-person household: ยฅ3,000โยฅ5,000/month.
- Family household: ยฅ6,000โยฅ10,000/month.
- Costs increase in winter due to gas heating and hot water usage.
Payment Methods:
- Similar to electricity: bank transfer, convenience store payments, or credit card.
Setup Procedure:
- Contact the provider: Call the Sendai City Gas Bureau or your propane gas supplier a few days before moving in.
- Appointment for activation: A technician will visit your home to activate the gas supply and check for safety.
- Safety briefing: The technician will explain how to use gas appliances safely.
Local Considerations:
- Earthquake safety: Gas lines in Sendai are designed to shut off automatically during earthquakes. After an earthquake, you may need to manually reset your gas meter.
4. Water and Sewage
Provider:
- Sendai City Waterworks Bureau (Sendai Shisuikyoku) handles water and sewage services.
Typical Costs:
- Single-person household: ยฅ2,000โยฅ3,000/month.
- Family household: ยฅ4,000โยฅ7,000/month.
- Water bills are usually issued every two months.
Payment Methods:
- Bank transfer, convenience store payments, or credit card.
Setup Procedure:
- Contact the Waterworks Bureau: Notify them of your move-in date and address.
- Meter reading: A technician may visit to check the water meter.
- Billing setup: Choose your preferred payment method.
Local Considerations:
- Water quality: Sendaiโs tap water is safe to drink and of high quality.
- Winter precautions: To prevent pipes from freezing in winter, insulate outdoor pipes or leave a small trickle of water running during extremely cold nights.
5. Internet and Telecommunications
Providers:
- Major providers include NTT East (FLETโS Hikari), SoftBank Hikari, au Hikari, and Docomo Hikari.
- Mobile internet providers like Rakuten Mobile and Y!Mobile also offer home internet plans.
Typical Costs:
- Fiber-optic internet: ยฅ4,000โยฅ6,000/month.
- Mobile internet (pocket Wi-Fi): ยฅ3,000โยฅ5,000/month.
Payment Methods:
- Credit card or bank transfer.
- Some providers may require a Japanese bank account or credit card.
Setup Procedure:
- Choose a provider: Compare plans based on speed, cost, and contract length.
- Apply online or in-store: Applications can be made at electronics stores like Yodobashi Camera or online.
- Installation: Fiber-optic internet may require a technician to install equipment in your home. This can take 1โ2 weeks.
Local Considerations:
- Language support: Some providers offer English-language support, but itโs not guaranteed. Consider using a friend or translator if needed.
- Short-term options: If youโre staying temporarily, pocket Wi-Fi is a convenient alternative.
6. Payment Methods for All Utilities
- Automatic bank transfer: The most common and reliable method.
- Convenience stores: Pay bills in cash at any convenience store. Look for the barcode on your bill.
- Online payment: Many providers offer online portals for credit card payments.
- Mobile apps: Some providers have apps for bill management and payment.
7. Cultural and Procedural Nuances
- Punctuality: When scheduling technician visits (e.g., for gas or internet setup), be punctual. Japanese service providers are known for their timeliness.
- Paperwork: Utility contracts and bills are often in Japanese. If youโre not fluent, consider asking for help from a Japanese-speaking friend or using translation apps.
- Earthquake preparedness: Sendai is in a seismically active region. Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures for utilities, such as shutting off gas valves.
- Seasonal variations: Utility costs can fluctuate significantly with the seasons. Budget accordingly for higher heating costs in winter.
8. Tips for Newcomers
- Bundle services: Some companies offer discounts if you bundle internet, electricity, and gas services.
- Monitor usage: Many providers offer online tools to track your utility usage and costs.
- Ask your landlord: If youโre renting, your landlord or real estate agent can often assist with setting up utilities.
- Emergency contacts: Keep the contact numbers for utility providers handy in case of outages or issues.
By understanding these details, youโll be well-prepared to manage public utilities in Sendai efficiently and adapt to local practices. Let me know if you need further assistance!