HOUSING

1.EMERGENCIES 2.HOUSING 3.DAILY LIFE 4.PROCEDURES FOR STAYING
5.ALIEN REGISTRATION 6.HEALTH AND MEDICAL 7.WELFARE 8.EMPLOYMENT
9.TAXES 10.EDUCATION 11.LISTINGS OF RELATED AGENCIES

3.Electricity

(1) When using electricity
There are several different electric companies throughout the country. In the Kanto area, including Ibaraki, Tokyo Electric Company is the power supplier.
When you wish to start using the electricity, fill out your name and moving in date on the postcard attached to the breaker and send it in.
①

Turn on the ampere breaker switch.
② Turn on the circuit breaker switch.
③ Turn on the switch for the interior wiring of the house.
(2) Ampere Breaker
If you use too many electrical appliances at one time, you may throw the ampere breaker. If this happens, turn off several electrical appliances to reduce the load and turn the breaker switch back on again.
If this happens frequently, contact the Tokyo Electric Power company, and increase the amperage under contract, and request for the ampere breaker to be changed. Changing the breaker is free, but the basic monthly rates for electric service will change.
Ampere 10A 15A 20A 30A 40A 50A
Breaker Color red pink yellow green gray brown
(3) Appliances
The electrical current in Ibaraki Prefecture is 100 volts/50Hz. If you move to western
Japan where the cycle is 60Hz, you may need to adjust or replace some appliances.
Please note that the voltage required for many foreign appliances is 200 volts.

(4) How to pay the electricity fee
Remit payment for the amount written on the bill that has been sent to you, at a bank, post office, convenience store, etc., by the due date.
Automatic debit from your bank or post office account is also possible.


4.Gas

(1) Using gas
Before moving to a new residence, call the local gas company, inform them of your moving in date, and make a request for the necessary services (opening the gas valve or inspection). When moving out, be sure to call the local gas company to inform them of your moving date and your account number (printed on your receipts or inspection papers). The local gas company will dispatch someone to your home to turn off the gas supply and to receive payment on the account.

(2) Gas types and appliances
Different types of gas are supplied to different areas. The types of gas available are indicated on the sticker in the kitchen or on the inspection paper.
Gas appliances should match the kind of gas provided. It is extremely dangerous to use an appliance that has not been properly installed.
If appliances from your previous residence do not match the gas available at your new location, ask the gas company to install the appliances.
Types of gas in Ibaraki prefecture
Natural gas
(city gas)		 4B
5C
13A
Propane gas

(3) Safety confirmation
Please take the following precautions when using the gas.
● Always visually verify the gas flame when turning it on/off.
● Turn off the gas valve at night and before leaving your home.
● Before turning on the gas for the bathtub, check the water level in the bathtub.
● Be sure to use a ventilation fan.

(4) Water heater
Most apartments in Japan have water heaters. A few do not. If you purchase a water heater, call the gas company to have them install it.

(5) If you smell gas ⇒ p. 21

(6) How to pay the gas fee
The gas rate is a combination of both a basic rate and the amount of gas used.
The basic rate is fixed for some kinds of gas. The gas company inspects the meter every month to calculate the amount of use.
Monthly payments can be made through a bank or after the monthly meter inspection, the bill can be paid at a bank, post office, or convenience store.


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