#Japan #Renewable Energy #Enerbank #Otsu #Enokku

Shiga Prefecture's First Transition to Renewable Energy Using Enokku

In a groundbreaking achievement, Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture has become the first municipality in the area to leverage Enerbank's innovative reverse auction service, known as Enokku, to transition public facilities to renewable energy. This initiative not only promotes the use of renewable energy but also significantly optimizes electricity costs for public services.

What is Enokku?

Enokku is Japan's only free service that employs a reverse auction method for electricity contract selection, aiming to optimize electricity rates for consumers. During the auction, electricity retailers can bid multiple times and adjust their prices based on competitors' offers, creating an environment where costs can be driven down. Enokku also includes the development of specifications and price proposals at no charge, enabling the integration of renewable energy and facilitating both digital transformation (DX) and green transformation (GX).

Reverse Auction Process

In a traditional bid process, each vendor can typically submit one proposal. However, with the reverse auction method employed by Enokku, multiple bids are allowed, enabling retailers to cut costs while simultaneously providing renewable energy. This approach ensures transparency and competitiveness, helping municipalities make informed decisions about their energy procurement needs.

Auction Results Overview

• - Participating Facilities: 49 contracts from public facilities within the city.

- High Voltage: 23 contracts
- Low Voltage: 26 contracts

High Voltage Auction Results

1. Starting Price: ¥49,561,305
2. Winning Bid Price: ¥37,753,880
3. Reduction Rate: 23.8%

The starting price was a ceiling agreed upon by Otsu City and Enerbank. It's important to note that the winning bid derived from past electricity consumption and might not reflect the exact payment amount.

In the low voltage category, a reduction of approximately 19% from the starting price was achieved, showcasing the effectiveness of the reverse auction system.

Stakeholder Perspective

A representative from Otsu City expressed appreciation for being the first in Shiga to utilize Enokku, noting that many cities in the Kinki region have successfully adopted the service. The dual advantage of integrating a 100% renewable energy supply while also reducing electricity costs was a significant factor in their decision to proceed with utilizing Enokku. The support offered throughout the selection process was invaluable, allowing the city to confidently move forward with the transition.

Moreover, the achieved reduction rates exceeded expectations, enabling Otsu City to maximize their limited budget for public services. Enokku has not only demonstrated its financial benefits but also its role in promoting sustainability within the community.

Support for Zero Carbon Cities

Enerbank is committed to supporting local governments in accomplishing their zero-carbon goals. The company provides an array of services to facilitate the transition to renewable energy, enhancing the overall environmental footprint of municipalities.

For more information about Enerbank's services for local government initiatives, visit their dedicated site here.

About Enerbank

Company Overview: Enerbank Co., Ltd.

• - Founders: Sogo Sato (CEO) & Kenichi Muranaka (Co-founder)
• - CTO: Daisuke Sekine
• - Established: July 2018
• - Location: 2-1-17 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0027
• - Contact: 03-6868-8463

Business Focus: Development and operation of electricity auction systems, operations related to environmental value trading, matching services for solar power equipment, and digital concierge services for energy procurement and decarbonization.
Explore more about Enerbank at their official site: Enerbank.