Sendai

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Utilities Setup

Introduction to setting up utilities like water, electricity, gas, and internet in your new residence.

Sections

1. Electricity (電気 - Denki)

Service Providers in Sendai

  • Tohoku Electric Power Company (東北電力 - Tohoku Denryoku) is the primary electricity provider in Sendai and the Tohoku region.
  • Alternative providers (due to energy deregulation in Japan) include companies like Looop Denki, Tokyo Gas & Electric, and others. However, Tohoku Electric is the most common and reliable choice for the region.

How to Set Up Electricity

  1. Contact Tohoku Electric Power:
    • You can apply online, by phone, or in person at their office.
    • Website: Tohoku Electric Power (Japanese only, so you may need assistance if you don’t speak Japanese).
    • Phone: 0120-175-266 (English support may be limited).
  2. Provide Information:
    • Your name, address, move-in date, and contact details.
    • If you’re renting, your landlord or real estate agent may assist with this process.
  3. Meter Activation:
    • Electricity is often already connected in apartments. You may just need to flip the breaker switch. If not, Tohoku Electric will send a technician to activate it.

Costs

  • Basic Monthly Fee: ¥1,000–¥2,000, depending on your contracted plan.
  • Usage Fee: ¥20–¥30 per kWh. Average monthly costs for a single person are around ¥5,000–¥7,000.
  • Payment Methods:
    • Automatic bank transfer (most common).
    • Convenience store payment (you’ll receive a bill with a barcode).
    • Credit card (if arranged with the provider).

Tips

  • Consider energy-saving appliances, as electricity costs can rise in winter due to heating needs.
  • Tohoku winters are cold, so expect higher electricity bills if you use electric heaters.

2. Gas (ガス - Gasu)

Types of Gas

  • City Gas (都市ガス - Toshi Gasu): Supplied via pipelines and is more common in urban areas like Sendai.
  • Propane Gas (プロパンガス - Puropan Gasu): Used in rural areas or older buildings.

Service Providers in Sendai

  • Sendai City Gas Bureau (仙台市ガス局 - Sendai-shi Gasu Kyoku) is the main provider for city gas.
  • If your property uses propane gas, the landlord or real estate agent will inform you of the specific supplier.

How to Set Up Gas

  1. Contact the Gas Bureau:
  2. Schedule an Appointment:
    • A technician will visit your home to activate the gas and check for safety. You must be present during this appointment.
  3. Provide Information:
    • Your name, address, move-in date, and contact details.

Costs

  • Basic Monthly Fee: ¥1,000–¥2,000.
  • Usage Fee: ¥150–¥200 per cubic meter. Average monthly costs for a single person are around ¥3,000–¥5,000.
  • Payment Methods:
    • Automatic bank transfer.
    • Convenience store payment.
    • Credit card.

Tips

  • Gas is often used for cooking and water heating. If you’re using a gas heater in winter, expect higher bills.
  • Always ventilate your home when using gas appliances to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

3. Water (水道 - Suidō)

Service Provider in Sendai

  • Sendai City Waterworks Bureau (仙台市水道局 - Sendai-shi Suidō Kyoku) is the sole provider of water services in the city.

How to Set Up Water

  1. Contact the Waterworks Bureau:
  2. Provide Information:
    • Your name, address, move-in date, and contact details.
  3. Meter Activation:
    • Water is usually already connected. You just need to inform the bureau of your move-in date.

Costs

  • Basic Monthly Fee: ¥1,000–¥2,000.
  • Usage Fee: ¥200–¥300 per cubic meter. Average monthly costs for a single person are around ¥2,000–¥4,000.
  • Payment Methods:
    • Automatic bank transfer.
    • Convenience store payment.
    • Credit card.

Tips

  • Water quality in Sendai is excellent and safe to drink straight from the tap.
  • Be mindful of water usage, especially during winter when pipes can freeze.

4. Internet (インターネット - Intānetto)

Service Providers in Sendai

  • NTT East (FLET’S Hikari): The most common fiber-optic internet provider.
  • SoftBank Hikari: Another popular option.
  • au Hikari: Available in some areas.
  • Pocket Wi-Fi: A portable option if you need internet immediately.

How to Set Up Internet

  1. Choose a Provider:
    • Compare plans based on speed, cost, and contract length. Most providers require a 2-year contract.
  2. Apply Online or In-Store:
    • You’ll need your residence card, address, and bank account details.
  3. Installation:
    • Fiber-optic internet may require a technician to install a line in your apartment. This can take 1–2 weeks.
    • Pocket Wi-Fi can be purchased or rented immediately.

Costs

  • Monthly Fee: ¥4,000–¥6,000 for fiber-optic internet.
  • Installation Fee: ¥10,000–¥20,000 (sometimes waived during promotions).
  • Payment Methods:
    • Automatic bank transfer.
    • Credit card.

Tips

  • Check with your landlord or real estate agent to confirm if your building is pre-wired for fiber-optic internet.
  • If you need internet immediately, consider renting a Pocket Wi-Fi device.

5. Managing Utilities Effectively

Bill Payment

  • Most utility bills are sent monthly by mail. They include a barcode for payment at convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart).
  • Setting up automatic bank transfers is the most convenient option and ensures you never miss a payment.

Seasonal Considerations

  • Winter: Sendai experiences cold winters with snow. Heating (electric or gas) will significantly increase your utility bills. Consider using energy-efficient heaters and insulating your home.
  • Summer: Electricity usage may rise due to air conditioning. Use fans and keep windows open when possible to save energy.

Cultural and Regional Considerations

  • Japanese utility companies are highly punctual and reliable. If you schedule an appointment, expect the technician to arrive on time.
  • Customer service is polite but often only available in Japanese. If you don’t speak Japanese, consider asking a friend, colleague, or your real estate agent for assistance.
  • Many older apartments in Sendai may not have central heating, so you’ll need to rely on electric or gas heaters.

6. Additional Tips

  • Emergency Numbers:
    • Gas Leak: 022-256-2111 (Sendai City Gas Bureau).
    • Water Issues: 022-748-1111 (Sendai City Waterworks Bureau).
  • Energy-Saving Tips:
    • Use LED lights and energy-efficient appliances.
    • Turn off appliances when not in use.
    • Invest in thermal curtains to retain heat in winter.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to set up and manage your utilities in Sendai efficiently. Let me know if you need further assistance!