The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun
Govt to start giving additional points to households that save electricity this winter
Households and businesses will be awarded points for conserving electricity under a government program to be launched this winter, it has been learned.
Cutting electricity use by 3% or more compared to the same month last year will earn households points worth ¥1,000 a month and businesses points worth ¥20,000 a month.
e government’s energy-saving scheme is expected to run from December to March 2023.
e points will be on top of planned rewards to be o ered by electricity rms, and people will be able to use the points for shopping and other purposes.
Under the government scheme, electricity users who cooperate in saving energy during designated periods when supply is tight will earn additional points. Energy savers will be offered points worth up to ¥40 for every kilowatt per hour they conserve.
Only customers of participating electricity suppliers will receive the points. More than 200 electricity rms had applied to join the scheme by the end of September.
Energy-saver points have been awarded by some rms since August, with household customers receiving points worth ¥2,000 and businesses receiving points worth ¥200,000. (Oct. 8)