Forgot to Pay Your Electricity Bill? Here’s What to Do Next
If you accidentally forget to pay your electricity bill, what will happen to the electricity charges and the supply? Will there be a late fee? This page summarizes the penalties and what happens if you forget to pay your electricity bill.
- The payment deadline for electricity charges is listed on the meter reading notice.
- Even if you forget to pay your electricity bill, your electricity will not be cut off immediately.
Whether it’s because you lost the payment slip after moving or you didn’t have enough money in your account for an automatic withdrawal, forgetting to pay your electricity bill can happen. Here, we explain what happens if payment is delayed and how you should respond.
Payment Deadline for Electricity Charges
The payment deadline for electricity charges is typically set as 20 to 30 days after the meter reading date (it varies by electricity provider). After the reading, a "Notice of Electricity Usage (Meter Reading Notice)" will be delivered to each household, which includes the amount due and the payment deadline.
If the electricity bill is not paid by the deadline, a late fee will be incurred. This is known as the late fee system. However, for general households, some electricity companies may provide an additional 10-day grace period, meaning up to 30 to 40 days from the meter reading date, as a payment extension period.
If you still fail to pay the electricity bill after 20 to 30 days from the meter reading date, or after the grace period of 40 days, what will happen? Electricity companies adopt a "late fee system" where late fees are added to the unpaid amount once the payment deadline is exceeded. The late fee is approximately 0.03% per day (10% per year), with a maximum of 3% of the late fee amount.
The payment deadline after incurring a late fee is usually set until 50 days from the meter reading date. Be sure to contact the electricity provider promptly and pay the bill before the final deadline.
- The payment deadline is listed on the meter reading notice delivered each month, so complete the payment by that deadline.
- If payment is not made by the deadline, a late fee of approximately 0.03% per day will apply.
- However, if payment is made within an additional 10 days past the deadline, no late fee will be incurred.
Date of Electricity Supply Suspension Due to Arrears
What happens if you still do not pay the electricity bill even after the deadline has passed and late fees have been added?
If arrears continue, the electricity supply will eventually be cut off. When this occurs varies by electricity provider, but typically, a notice of suspension will be delivered after the final deadline has passed. Follow the instructions in the notice to make the payment and continue receiving electricity.
- Your electricity will not be cut off immediately after the payment deadline.
- Electricity will actually be cut off only after a notification is sent by the electricity provider, so make sure to pay by then.
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Contact Information for Electricity Charges
If you forget to pay your electricity bill or if your electricity supply has been cut off, you will need to contact the electricity provider by phone. The phone numbers for customer service of each electricity provider can be found on the contact page for electricity and gas companies, so check the number and hours of operation for your area and make the call.
| Electricity Company | Payment Deadline | Final Deadline | Supply Suspension Date | Notification Timing and Method for Supply Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Electric Power | 30 days from the day after meter reading | 31-50 days | Approximately 60 days from the meter reading date | Notification 5 days before suspension. |
| Hokkaido Electric Power | 30 days from the day after meter reading | 31-50 days | 50 days from the meter reading date | Notification 5 days before suspension. |
| Tohoku Electric Power | 30 days from the day after meter reading | 31-50 days | 50 days from the meter reading date | Notification at the point of final deadline. |
| Hokuriku Electric Power | 20 days from the day after meter reading | 21-50 days | Approximately 2 weeks after 50 days from the meter reading date | Notification 5 days before suspension. |
| Chubu Electric Power | 30 days from the day after meter reading | 31-50 days | Approximately 60 days from the meter reading date (10 business days after final deadline) | Notification at the point of final deadline. |
| Kansai Electric Power | 30 days from the day after meter reading | 31-50 days |
Back from Vacation and No Electricity? Here’s What to Do?
When you return from a holiday and find that you don’t have electricity, it’s a common issue we receive calls about. Unfortunately, if this happens, it may already be too late to resolve the issue immediately, and you’ll need to contact your electricity provider to restore your service.To avoid this situation, consider taking the following precautions beforehand:
- Notify Utilities: Inform the electricity, gas, and water companies of your departure and return dates. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to temporarily cancel your contracts while you’re away.
- Update Payment Methods: Switching to a credit card or bank transfer for payments can often resolve issues related to missed payments.
- Arrange for Payments: If the above solutions are not feasible, ask a friend or neighbor to make payments on your behalf.
- Understand Basic Fees: Even if you’re not using electricity while abroad (with the breakers turned off), you’ll still be charged a basic fee based on your amperage. This basic fee can be significant, especially if you’re traveling for an extended period. For those traveling long-term or not using their property as a primary residence, switching to a plan with no base charge, like Looop DENKI, might be a good option.
