Currently, Japan is facing a power shortage situation. This time, I tried to think of a mechanism to generate profits for the people while slightly improving the electric power situation in Japan. It seems that the hint for this mechanism is in Nagi Town, Okayama Prefecture. This town of Nagi issues IC cards to all of its approximately 6,000 residents. When shopping in Nagi Town, points are awarded for health checkups, volunteer activities, and parliamentary hearings. In addition, points are given for shopping in this town, and there is a system in which points are given for walking. In Nagi Town, points are awarded for various townspeople's activities, and the points can be used at local affiliated stores.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's smart city concept, walking 1,000 steps will lead to a reduction in medical costs of 60 yen. If 6,000 people walk 1,000 steps a day, they will save 360,000 yen in medical expenses. The townspeople will walk and become healthy, and if they become healthy, medical expenses will be suppressed, and the medical budget of the town will be saved, creating a virtuous cycle. For example, if one person can receive the saved 360,000 yen by lottery every day, the motivation of the townspeople will increase. In addition, walking leads to a trade area that is consumed within the town, which is longer both in terms of distance and time, increasing consumption within the town and increasing purchasing power.
30% of Japan's electricity consumption is consumed at home. This means that the cooperation of each household is required to reduce demand during peak hours. If the temperature of the air conditioner is reduced by 2°C, the household power saving effect will be only about 20%. On the other hand, if you go out without using the air conditioner, you can save up to 80% of electricity. If you continue to go out during peak hours, it will be possible to reduce demand during peak hours. Apps that overcome this challenge are being developed. A major electric power company is developing an outing guidance application in cooperation with the electric power retailer ENEOS. During the months of August and September, when air conditioning demand is high, they use LINE to notify users of an event by 8:00 p.m. They are building a system that you can get points by going to the event venue and completing the mission. It may be interesting to effectively use power-saving apps to reduce power consumption, contribute to curbing global warming, improve the health of citizens, and make local governments financially sound.