Forgot to Pay Electricity Bill in Japan? What to Know & Do

Forgot to pay your electricity bill? Or your water or gas bill? This article will guide you through the steps for how to get your electricity bill turned back on.

What to do if you've forgotten to pay an electricity bill

Fortunately, if you forget to pay an electricity bill in Japan, you won't lose electricity immediately. Often, you will receive a few new invoices and a reminder to pay by a specified date.

However, failing to pay your electricity bill after two months will result in the utility company cutting off your power supply.  

The easiest way to deal with an overdue payment is to take your new invoice and pay it by the appointed date. But suppose you can't make your payment because you lost your invoice?

In that case, you should call your electricity supplier's customer service hotline, and they will reissue a new payment voucher for you. 

Always remember to check the back of the invoice for accepted payment methods. Some convenience stores won't process bills past their due date, so you may have to go to the utility company to settle the amount.

🚨 Quick reference: critical information

Before power gets cut:

• ⏰ Grace Period: 2 months from original due date

• 📋 Action Required: Pay any outstanding invoices immediately

• 📞 Lost Invoice: Call customer service for reissue

After power gets cut:

• 🔌 Immediate Action: Contact utility company customer service

• 💰 Late Fees: 0.03% per day (10% annually)

• ⚡ Reconnection: 2-24 hours after payment (varies by company)

Payment timeline & consequences

Weekend/Holiday Impact: Power cutoffs typically don't happen on weekends or national holidays, but payment processing may be delayed.

Step-by-step guide on what to do if you lose electricity

Here are some steps to take if you lose electricity because you forgot to pay your electricity bill.

Step 1. Locate customer support

Locate the call center or customer support page for the utility service provider that you are using. We provide a list of all the major electricity service providers in Japan further down in this article.

Step 2. Contact customer support

Contact your utilities' customer support immediately if you lose power after not paying your electricity bill.

Step 3. Settle your late fees.

The utility company's customer center will walk you through how to settle your late fees and restart your power supply. However, you may not receive power immediately after paying your bill. How long it takes depends on the power company and the situation.

The best way to prevent losing your power is to make sure you pay your bills on time. If you frequently forget to pay utility bills, consider switching payment methods to an automatic withdrawal billing system. 

Electricity providers' customer support pages

Here's a list of the major electricity and utilities companies in Japan along with how to get in touch with their customer support:

TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power)

Customer support portal for TEPCO

CHUDEN (Chubu Electric Power)

Customer support portal for Chuden

HEPCO (Hokkaido Electric Power)

Customer support portal for HEPCO

Tohoku Electric Power

Customer support portal for Tohoku Electric Power

RIKUDEN (Hokuriku Electric Power)

Customer support portal for RIKUDEN

KEPCO (Kansai Electric Power)

CCustomer support portal for KEPCO

Chugoku Electric Power

Customer support portal for Chugoku

YONDEN (Shikoku Electric Power)

Customer support portal for YONDEN

KYUDEN (Kyushu Electric Power)

Customer support portal for Kyuden

Okinawa Electric Power

Customer support portal for Okinawa Electric Power

How much are late payment penalties?

Late account transfer payment on an electric bill can incur an interest rate of 0.03% per day (10% annually). 

For example, if the bill was ¥5000, and you pay it 30 days after the due date, the company may charge a late fee of ¥45. 

Although this is a small fee, you can ultimately lose your electricity if you continue to ignore paying your bill. 

How to pay utility bills online with MailMate

Going home for the holidays? But want your bills paid on your behalf while you’re gone? Consider MailMate! Perhaps you're on an extended trip and you don't have anyone to check your mailbox?

MailMate is a virtual mailbox service that can take care of processing utility payments on your behalf. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Sign up for a MailMate account.

• Use Japan Post’s mail forwarding service to get your mail redirected to MailMate headquarters.

• Go travel and enjoy yourself. 

• We notify you when we receive a utility bill (or any mail!). 

• You click on the “Pay Bill” button in the MailMate dashboard. And we go to the convenience store and pay it on your behalf!

Essential Japanese phrases for customer service

Basic Communication:

• "Denki ga tomatte imasu" (電気が止まっています) - "My electricity is off"

• "Shiharai wo wasuremashita" (支払いを忘れました) - "I forgot to pay"

• "Eigo dekimasu ka?" (英語できますか？) - "Can you speak English?"

Getting Help:

• "Dono yōni shiharatte kudasai?" (どのように支払ってください？) - "How should I pay?"

• "Itsu denki ga tsukimasu ka?" (いつ電気がつきますか？) - "When will the electricity turn on?"

Frequently asked questions

How do I pay a TEPCO electricity bill? 

TEPCO is Tokyo's largest electricity supplier. Payment methods for Tepco include:

• Credit card payment 

• Automatic payment via bank account

• Paying at a convenience store

• Payment through accepted cash apps such as Line Pay, PayB, PayPay, Rakuten Bank, au Pay, FamiPay

• SMS payment 

Image from Line. 

You can also quickly contact customer service through their AI-powered chatbot on their Japanese website. It can assist you with issues like handling overdue payments, checking your contract information, and switching payment methods quickly and efficiently.  

Can I pay my water bill online in Japan? 

You can select automatic bill payment using your credit card or bank account if you fill out an application form in advance. Depending on your prefecture, online applications may be available. For example, if you live in Tokyo, making an account with 東京水道マイネット will allow you to submit your application form through their website for automatic payments. 

Will my power be cut off immediately if I miss the due date?

No, Japanese utility companies typically provide a two-month grace period before disconnecting service. You'll receive multiple reminder notices during this time, giving you several opportunities to pay before facing disconnection. The exact timeline may vary slightly between companies, but immediate cutoff after missing one payment is extremely rare.

Can I negotiate a payment plan if I can't afford the full amount?

Yes, most utility companies offer payment arrangements for customers experiencing financial hardship. Contact customer service to discuss options such as splitting the payment into installments or extending the due date. Be prepared to explain your situation and proposed payment schedule. Companies are generally willing to work with customers who communicate proactively rather than simply ignoring bills.

What happens if my power gets cut during a typhoon or extreme weather?

Utility companies typically prioritize safety and may delay scheduled disconnections during severe weather events. However, if your power was already scheduled for disconnection, you should still contact customer service immediately to arrange payment and reconnection. Emergency restoration services may be limited during extreme weather, so it's crucial to resolve payment issues before storm season.

I'm renting an apartment - will unpaid electricity bills affect my lease?

While electricity bills are typically the tenant's responsibility and don't directly impact your lease, some rental agreements include clauses requiring timely payment of utilities. Additionally, if utilities are included in your rent and you're behind on rent payments, your landlord might be unable to pay the electricity bill, potentially affecting service. Check your lease agreement and communicate with your landlord if you're experiencing payment difficulties.

Can I pay someone else's electricity bill if they're unable to?

Yes, you can pay another person's electricity bill at convenience stores, bank branches, or through online payment systems as long as you have their payment voucher or account information. The utility company doesn't require the account holder to make the payment personally. This is particularly helpful for elderly relatives or friends who may need assistance with bill payment.

What should I do if I receive a disconnection notice in Japanese and can't understand it?

Contact the utility company's customer service immediately and ask if they have English-speaking staff available. Many major companies have multilingual support or can arrange translation services. You can also use translation apps to photograph the notice, but don't rely solely on automated translation for important deadlines. Local city halls often provide translation assistance for utility matters as well.

Will unpaid electricity bills appear on my credit report in Japan?

Unlike some countries, Japan doesn't have a centralized credit reporting system that includes utility payments. However, consistently unpaid bills can create problems when applying for new housing, as landlords and real estate agencies may contact your previous utility companies as part of their screening process. Some companies also share information with other utilities, which could affect your ability to establish service at a new address.

Can I set up automatic payments if I don't have a Japanese bank account?

Most utility companies require a Japanese bank account for automatic withdrawal services. However, many companies now accept international credit cards for automatic payments, though this option may have limitations or additional fees. If you don't have either option, consider using services like MailMate that can handle bill payments on your behalf, or ask a trusted friend with a Japanese bank account to help facilitate automatic payments.

What's the difference between the various payment methods in terms of processing time?

Convenience store payments are processed immediately, while bank transfers and credit card payments may take 1–3 business days to reflect in your account. Online payments through apps like PayPay or Line Pay are typically processed within 24 hours. If your power has been disconnected, paying at a convenience store or directly at the utility company office will result in the fastest reconnection time.

I paid my bill but my power is still off after 48 hours. What should I do?

Contact your utility company immediately with your payment receipt or confirmation number. Sometimes payments aren't properly processed due to system errors, incorrect account numbers, or timing issues. The company should be able to verify your payment and expedite reconnection. If you paid at a convenience store, keep your receipt as proof of payment, as these transactions occasionally experience delays in the system.

Can I dispute late fees if I believe they're incorrect?

Yes, you can dispute late fees by contacting customer service with documentation supporting your claim. Common grounds for disputes include processing delays, incorrect due dates, or system errors. Keep records of all payment confirmations and correspondence with the utility company. While companies will review legitimate disputes, the process can take several weeks, so it's better to pay on time initially rather than rely on successful appeals.

What happens to my electricity service if I move to a new apartment?

You must contact your utility company to schedule disconnection at your old address and connection at your new address. This typically requires 3–5 business days' notice and may involve scheduling appointments for meter readings. If you have outstanding bills at your old address, you'll need to settle them before the company will establish service at your new location. Some companies offer online moving services that can handle both disconnection and reconnection simultaneously.

Are there different rules for foreigners regarding electricity bill payments?

No, electricity billing and payment rules are the same for all residents regardless of nationality. However, foreign residents may face additional challenges such as language barriers, unfamiliarity with Japanese payment systems, or difficulty understanding billing notices. Some utility companies offer multilingual customer service specifically to help foreign residents navigate these processes.

What should I do if I'm going on vacation and worried about missing my electricity bill?

Set up automatic payments before traveling, or use a service like MailMate that can handle bill payments while you're away. You can also ask a trusted friend or family member to check your mail and pay bills on your behalf. Some utility companies allow you to prepay for several months of service, though this isn't common. Avoid simply ignoring bills while traveling, as disconnection can occur even during your absence.

John Cross is a Canadian Expat living in Japan. "I ended up at Mailmate after I forgot to pay my electricity bill once and they turned off the electricity in my apartment. They probably sent a warning in the mail but I don't think I would have recognized it."