#Japan #Tokyo #JPI Seminar #Tohoku Electric #Procurement Reform

Insight into Tohoku Electric Power's Procurement Strategies

On January 29, 2026, a significant seminar will take place in Tokyo, focusing on the strategic procurement initiatives of Tohoku Electric Power Company. The event, organized by the Japan Planning Institute (JPI), will feature Executive Officer Takashi Suzuki, who will elaborate on the company’s innovative procurement strategies developed over the past decade.

Overview of the Seminar

The seminar is designed to highlight Tohoku Electric Power’s comprehensive approach to procurement reforms initiated after the significant challenges posed by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. In the wake of this disaster, Tohoku Electric faced substantial damage to its infrastructure, prompting a need for strategic reform in its procurement processes.

Key Details

• - Event Date: January 29, 2026
• - Time: 13:30 to 15:30
• - Location: Tokyo
• - Speaker: Takashi Suzuki, Executive Officer of Tohoku Electric Power Company
• - Fee: ¥37,670 per participant (discounts available for multiple attendees)

Historical Context

In 2020, Japan underwent a significant transformation in its power industry, splitting companies responsible for generation and retail from those managing transmission and distribution. This restructuring raised concerns over procurement effectiveness, leading to a unified procurement strategy aimed at mitigating potential declines in procurement capability.

Following the devasting earthquake, Tohoku Electric established a procurement reform committee in 2013. The primary goal was to modify three critical dimensions: how to purchase, what to purchase, and the volume of purchases. As a result, the company has been recognized as one of the most efficient in the industry during the recent electricity rate revisions in 2023. However, the demand for further efficiency continues to grow.

Current Initiatives

Currently, Tohoku Electric is working on enhancing its upstream procurement processes by incorporating technical expertise into its procurement department. The seminar will outline various initiatives undertaken by the procurement reform committee, including:
1. Establishing benchmarks compared to other power companies.
2. Addressing the impact of the latest electricity pricing reforms.
3. Fostering engineering support teams to streamline procurement activities.

Structure of the Presentation

Participants can expect a detailed exploration of the following topics during the seminar:

• - Tohoku Electric Overview: Business structure, comparison with other power companies.
• - Response to the 2011 Earthquake: Review of equipment damage, restoration efforts, and financial recovery.
• - Procurement Mechanisms: A look at the materials and services procured by the company, including scale and scope.
• - Outcomes of Procurement Reforms: Achievements, objectives, and strategies implemented by the reform committee.
• - Future Direction: Insights into the ongoing efforts of the procurement committee to further meet efficiency targets and adapt to industry changes.

Networking Opportunities

Apart from the informational lecture, the seminar offers networking opportunities through a business card exchange and discussion sessions among participants, fostering connections that could facilitate future business ventures.

Accessing Seminar Content

For those unable to attend the live session, JPI will provide access to an archive of the presentation that can be viewed for two weeks post-event.

The Japan Planning Institute has a rich history of offering valuable insights into national policy developments, supporting senior executives and decision-makers for over fifty years.

To learn more and register for this critical seminar, visit JPI Seminar Registration.