J-Power to Sell Electricity Via Market

Tokyo, July 3 (Jiji Press)–Electric Power Development Co. , known as J-Power, plans to sell part of its electricity through the Japan Electric Power Exchange as early as from August, it was learned Sunday.

The power wholesaler, which currently sells electricity solely to large established electric power firms, will revise its contracts with the clients to allow itself to start power sale through the exchange, informed sources said.

Negotiations on the revision between J-Power and the power suppliers have been nearly concluded, the sources said.

J-Power specifically plans to sell electricity generated at three of its thermal power plants, including one in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, through the exchange, the sources said.

The Japan Electric Power Exchange was launched in April this year with the aim of helping industry newcomers procure electricity more easily.

But trading has remained slow because the prices offered by sellers, mostly established power suppliers, are generally high.

J-Power’s participation in the exchange is expected to activate trading because the company appears ready to sell electricity at prices lower than those offered by established suppliers, the sources said.END