#Japan #Enerbank #Eneoku #NayoroCity #Nayoro

Revolutionizing Energy Procurement in Nayoro City

In a remarkable initiative, Nayoro City in Hokkaido has introduced the "Eneoku" power procurement support service to reduce electricity costs in public facilities. Spearheaded by Enerbank, a company based in Tokyo, this implementation aims to not only cut expenses but also push for digital transformation (DX) in municipal operations.

What is Eneoku?

Eneoku stands out as Japan's only free service utilizing a reverse auction method for optimizing electricity rates for consumers. This innovative approach allows electricity retailers to participate in bidding while observing competitors' prices, encouraging them to bid lower continuously. Eneoku covers all aspects of the service without any fees, including the preparation of specifications and estimated prices. It also provides options to incorporate renewable energy conditions, aligning with both DX and Green Transformation (GX) objectives.

Understanding the Reverse Auction

A reverse auction is a procurement method where buyers select sellers through an auction format. Within a specified period, participants can monitor real-time pricing information from competitors and make bids as many times as they wish. This dynamic system promotes competitive pricing, ultimately benefiting consumers.

Support Provided to Nayoro City

For this undertaking, Enerbank offered comprehensive support, including:

• - Organizing specifications and usage data related to electricity procurement at no charge.
• - Conducting a reverse auction free of charge.

Starting from April 2026, Eneoku will be implemented across 19 public facilities in Nayoro. The types of facilities include elementary and junior high schools, a cultural center, recycling center, municipal hospital, and more. This is a crucial step in helping the city manage rising maintenance costs amid challenging financial conditions.

Results of the Power Procurement Auction

The reverse auction yielded impressive results:

• - Number of facilities: 19
• - Facilities included: Schools, cultural center, recycling center, municipal hospital, and more.
• - Preferred pricing models: Fixed rates (similar to previous electricity fees), fixed rates (with unique fuel), and market-linked rates.
• - Auction dates: January 16 to January 27, 2026
• - Number of bidders: 8 companies
• - Total bids: 17
• - Initial auction price (including tax): ¥203,144,032
• - Winning bid (including tax): ¥164,466,893
• - Annual cost reduction: ¥38,677,139
• - Reduction rate: 19%

Testimonials from the City Officials

Nayoro City's officials express their commitment to addressing the financial challenges through administrative reforms. They emphasized that by implementing the reverse auction with Eneoku, they anticipate achieving significant reductions in electricity costs while advancing the digital transformation of procurement processes. Additionally, the city has integrated solar energy into four facilities as part of its efforts toward becoming a zero-carbon city. Looking ahead, the local administration is eager to continue this forward momentum and optimize operations further.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding this initiative, please reach out through the following links:

• - Local government officials: Contact form for Local Government
• - Electricity retailers: Contact form for Retailers
• - Private businesses considering renewable energy: Contact form for Businesses

About Enerbank

Enerbank, founded in July 2018, is a pioneering company focusing on the development and operation of the Eneoku auction platform. Co-founded by CEO Sato Jougo and CTO Sekine Daisuke, the company is located in Chuo City, Tokyo. Enerbank is also involved in initiatives like the "Green Ticket" environmental value platform and the solar power installation support service, "SoraReco." With a commitment to sustainability and energy procurement, Enerbank is poised to contribute greatly to Japan's energy efficiency goals.

For more details, visit Enerbank's website.