Utilities
Electricity
Commencement of Electricity Supply Service
When you move in, fill in your name, address, service commencement date, commencement designation number, and payment method on the Electricity Service Application Form found in your room, and mail it in the enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope to Kyushu Electric Power. After applying, you can begin using electricity by turning all switches on the main circuit breaker to “on” (iri 入). If power does not come on even when the switch is set to “on”, make a phone call to the call center. If you use an electric hot water heater, also turn the unit’s breaker to “on”. (However, you can only use hot water from the day after you turned the breaker to “on”, so you will need to switch it to “on” the day before you plan on using hot water.)
*In the case that you are not provided with an application form, please telephone the call center.
Discontinuation of Electricity Supply Service
Once you know your moving date, contact the nearest Kyushu Electric Power’s Call Center. Give them your customer number, address, name, moving date and time, and contact address for after you’ve moved. A service person will visit your residence on the day you move or the day after to make the necessary arrangements for turning off electricity.
*You can also complete procedures for commencing and canceling electricity use online (only available in Japanese).
Billing and Payment
Meter Reading and Invoice
Once a month, a meter reader checks the electricity meter and leaves a Notice of Electricity Consumption with the amount of electricity used and an invoice in your mailbox.
*Sample of Notice
Method of Payment
Three types of payment options are available: automatic transfer from a personal bank account (jido koza furikae), payment by credit card, and cash payment at any bank, post office, or convenience store upon receiving a payment slip from Kyushu Electric Power. For automatic transfer or credit card payment, you will need to fill out an application.
Power Failure
In the case of a power failure, follow the instructions below
- Check to see whether power is out in neighboring houses.
- If neighboring houses have power, check the distribution switchboard.
- Remove electrical plugs for all electronic appliances from sockets.
- If the breaker is down, switch it back up to “on”(iri 入).
- If it is up, turn each breaker switch to “off” (kiri 切) then switch each to “on” one by one.
- Return all electrical appliance plugs to their sockets.
- If power does not resume, contact Kyushu Electric Power.
*If you find a downed power line, stay away from it and notify Kyushu Electric Power immediately.
Kyushu Electric Power Co. Ltd.
Mobile version at http://kyuden.jp/
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-17:00
*closed Dec. 29-Jan. 3
- Fukuoka Higashi Office
Tel: 0120-986-204 (2-19-12 Najima, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka) - Fukuoka Office
Tel: 0120-986-205 (2-1-82 Watanabedori, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka) - Fukuoka Nishi Office
Tel: 0120-986-206 (1-9-20 Meinohama Eki Minami, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka) - Fukuoka Minami Office
Tel: 0120-986-207 (1-6-5 Futsukaichi Nishi, Chikushino-shi)
The complete liberalisation of electric power retail began in April 2016, allowing households to choose their electricity providers and service plans as they wish.
Gas
Before Connecting Gas
Details for how to connect city gas (Saibu Gas) in Fukuoka are explained below. Procedures for connecting propane gas vary by company, so confirm with your company of choice.
Getting Connected and Disconnected
Details for how to connect city gas (Saibu Gas) in Fukuoka are explained below. Procedures for connecting propane gas vary by company, so confirm with your company of choice.
When Connecting Gas
Once you know the date for moving in, contact a Saibu Gas or Saibu Gas Living Mate and notify them of your address, name, moving date, and phone number. A Saibu Gas service person will visit your new residence on the day you move in to make sure that your gas appliances are properly set up, and to turn on the gas.
Disconnecting Gas
Once you know the date for moving out, contact a Saibu Gas or Saibu Gas Living Mate and notify them of your address, name, moving date, new address, and customer number. A Saibu Gas service person will visit your residence on the day you move to turn off the gas. You will be billed for gas usage up to your last day of residence.
*Application for connecting and disconnecting gas supply services can be accepted on the Internet (Japanese only).
Billing and Payment
Meter Reading and Invoice
Once a month, a gas meter reader will check the gas meter and leave a slip (Notice of Amount of Gas Used) with the amount of gas used and an invoice printed on it in your mailbox.
http://www.saibugas.co.jp/home/rates/pdf/201504_saibugas_info.pdf
Method of Payment
Three types of payment options are available: automatic transfer from a personal bank account (jido koza furikae), payment by credit card, and cash payment at any bank, post office, or convenience store upon receiving a Saibu Gas payment slip. For automatic transfer or credit card payment, you will need to fill out an application.
Contact information
Gas appliances, rates, moving, and construction:
Saibu Gas Co., Ltd. Customer Center
Tel: 092-633-2345 (1-17-1 Chiyo, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka)
* Saibu Gas has a Usage Guide (11.3MB) available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Tagalog, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Korean, and Arabic.
In the Case of a Gas Leak
If you suspect a gas leak, follow the instructions below.
- Open all windows and doors to let the gas out.
- Turn off all gas taps and the gas meter valve (located underneath the microcomputer meter).
- Call the exclusive hotline for gas leaks, providing your name, address, any nearby landmarks, and a discription of the gas leak situation.
* Gas is flammable, so do not use lighters or matches, or ventilation fans. Avoid turning on the switches for any lights or electrical appliances.
* Propane Gas is heavier than air, so it will accumulate from the bottom. Open the doors and sweep it out. Call the emergency number provided by your propane gas company.
Gas Safety Hotline (Quick) * Saibu Gas
Tel:092-631-0919 (24 hours)
* A Saibu Gas service person will visit each residence to perform a free safety inspection at least once every three years.
* As a safety measure, a gas alarm can be installed on lease or by purchasing one from Saibu Gas.
Water
Starting and Stopping Water Supply
When starting or stopping your water supply when moving or for other reasons, contact the Customer Service Center of the Fukuoka City Waterworks Bureau and notify them of your address, name, and moving date.
Customer Service Center Tel:092-532-1010
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:45-17:30, Saturdays 9:00-17:00
* Closed on Sundays, national holidays, and the year-end and New Year holidays
Billing and Payment
Meter Reading and Invoice
Every two months, a meter reader will check the meter and leave a slip (Notice of Amount of Water Used) with the amount of water used and an invoice printed on it in your mailbox. A sewage charge is also included in the bill. In some cases the water service bill is included in the rent, please confirm with your real estate agent (landlord).
( http://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/mizu/somu/)(Japanese only)
Method of Payment
Three types of payment options are available: automatic transfer from a personal bank account (jido koza furikae), payment by credit card, and cash payment at any bank, post office, or convenience store upon receiving a payment slip. For automatic transfer or credit card payment, you will need to fill out an application.
Inquiries for Water bill
Fukuoka City Waterworks Bureau
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-17:00
*Closed on weekends, national holidays, and the year-end/New Year holidays
- Higashi Office Tel: 092-641-4875
- Hakata Office Tel: 092-441-1491
- Chuo Office Tel: 092-521-6155
- Minami Office Tel: 092-541-4131
- Jonan Office Tel: 092-831-1311
- Sawara Office Tel: 092-831-1221
- Nishi Office Tel: 092-882-1311
When Water Supply is Disconnected
If you are very behind in paying your bills, the water supply may be stopped. You will be charged a basic rate even if you do not use water, so keep that in mind when you are away for a long period of time. If your water supply has been disconnected for the above cause, pay the overdue amount first and then contact the Tsusui Center.
Tsusui Center Tel: 092-532-1022
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-20:00 * Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and the year-end and New Year holidays 9:00-17:00
When Water Leaks or Stops Running
If a water leakage occurs or your water supply stops, contact the FCWB Maintenance Department’s Emergency After-Hours Hotline.*
Contact information
Maintenance Department, Fukuoka City Waterworks Bureau Tel.092-292-0265
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-17:30
*Closed on weekends, national holidays, and the year-end/New Year holidays
Emergency After-Hours Hotline
Tel: 0120-29-0432
Hours: Monday-Friday 17:30-8:45; weekends, national holidays, and the year-end/New Year holidays 8:45 to 8:45 the following morning
Precautions for Winter
Water pipes may freeze and burst during the winter. If there are pipes outside that are prone to freezing, use an insulating tube to keep the pipe warm. If the pipe bursts, tighten the valve located inside the water meter box, then contact a maintenance specialist. For rented and/or group housing, contact your landlord or realtor.
List of FCWB-designated waterworks maintenance specialists:
http://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/mizu/sessui/machi/suidousiteigyousya/
Sewage
Sewage service starts at the same time as the water supply; the usage fee, which depends on the amount of water used or the number of people in your household, is charged together with the water bill. If you use well-water exclusively, you will only be charged for the sewage fee.
Sewage Trouble
If your household water pipes become damaged or clogged, you are responsible for the repair costs. You must use a company specializing in such repairs, but if you do not know who to call, contact Fukuoka City Plumbing Cooperative Union for advice. You can also ask the Union’s Water Supply and Drainage Maintenance Center directly to repair the damage.
Inquiries
– Drainage Maintenance Section, Wastewater Facility Department, Road and Wastewater Bureau,Fukuoka City
Tel: 092-711-4534
http://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/doro-gesuido/index.html
– Fukuoka City Plumbing Cooperative Union Tel: 092-531-3066
* Water Supply and Drainage Maintenance Center Tel: 0120-1132-55 (open 24 hours)