The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry said that the harsh power supply and demand would raise the cost of procuring electricity from retailers called "new electricity", which could affect users depending on the contract details. He requested that the payment be postponed and announced that he would support cash flow on condition that he would respond to the request.
Most of the new electric power does not have its own power generation facility and procures electricity through wholesale markets, but the recent cold weather has increased the demand for heating, and the wholesale price has also risen temporarily.
Some businesses link their electricity prices to wholesale prices, which may have an impact on electricity prices.
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kajiyama said at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on the 29th, "We will take necessary measures in view of the current economic situation where the effects of the new coronavirus continue," and revealed new support measures.
According to this, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will request flexible measures such as deferring the payment of electricity charges for users to new electricity and allowing installment payments.
On the other hand, we will also support the financing of new electric power on the condition that we respond to the request.
If the required power cannot be procured in the market, the new power is supplied with insufficient power from the major power company, but the price has also risen, so the major power company is requested to allow up to 5 months of installment payment. I will ask.
Minister Kajiyama said, "This is necessary support when users may be charged a large amount of money. We will also consider the market."