#Japan #Tokyo #Small Business #Energy Support

Emergency Support for Small Businesses in Tokyo

Overview

In response to the rising costs of special high-voltage electricity and industrial LP gas, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in collaboration with the Tokyo Small Business Promotion Corporation, is launching an emergency support initiative aimed at easing the financial burden for small businesses affected by these price hikes. The program makes use of regional allocation grants to provide targeted assistance to eligible enterprises.

Application Period

The application window for the 6th round of support opens on April 9, 2023, and will remain open until August 31, 2023. Businesses can apply through an online portal, and postal submissions are also accepted.

Dedicated Portal Site

Interested applicants can find detailed application guidelines and necessary forms at the following website: Tokyo Energy Support Portal. The application form and requirements will be accessible starting April 9.

Eligibility Criteria

The program is open to several types of businesses:
1. Small businesses directly receiving special high-voltage electricity in Tokyo.
2. Tenants located in facilities that receive special high-voltage electricity.
3. Small businesses using industrial LP gas for operations in Tokyo.

Note on Special High-Voltage Electricity: This refers to businesses with a contracted power supply of 2,000 kW or more and a supply voltage of 20,000V (20kV) or more. However, businesses with a power supply of less than 2,000 kW may still qualify if they can verify a contract for special high-voltage electricity.

Industrial LP Gas Usage: This refers to liquefied petroleum gas used for industrial purposes, which falls under the High-Pressure Gas Safety Law.

Support Details

The program offers the following financial assistance:
1. Special high-voltage electricity (direct receipt): Up to ¥5 million per location.
2. Tenant facilities receiving special high-voltage electricity: Up to ¥100,000 per location.
3. Industrial LP gas: Up to ¥100,000 per location.

Reporting Period and Application Requirements

[6th Round]

• - Applicable Period: From January to June 2023.
• - Small businesses that have a usage record of at least three months within this timeframe are eligible for support.
• - Past recipients of the funding from earlier rounds may also apply again.

For details regarding past recipient eligibility, please refer to the guidelines on the website.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding the program, contact the Special High-Voltage Electricity and Industrial LP Gas Support Office at:

• - Phone: 03-6747-9460
• - Operating Hours: Weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding weekends and holidays).

A contact form is also available on the website for further assistance.

Strategic Importance

This initiative aligns with the “2050 Tokyo Strategy,” focusing on supporting and fostering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are vital for the local economy.

General Inquiries

For queries regarding the initiative as a whole:

• - Department: Industry and Labor Bureau, Industrial and Energy Policy Division, Planning Section
• - Phone: 03-5000-7721

For inquiries related to application requirements and submission procedures, contact the Support Office mentioned above.