History and Current Status of the Tachikawa Township Power Station Project in the 2020s - 2003-2023

History and Current Status of the Tachikawa Township Power Station Project in the 2020s - 2003-2023

The "Townspeople's Energy-Saving Station Project" in Tachikawa Town, Yamagata Prefecture, was initiated in 2003 to promote energy conservation throughout the community. Initially, 100 households participated in the project, with the goal of reducing annual electricity consumption by approximately 500,000 kWh. With the cooperation of local companies Shonai Electric Power Cooperative and Tachikawa Energy Corporation, energy-saving goals were set for each household, and a system was introduced whereby those who achieved the goals were given "hoochie tickets" that could be used at local stores. In the first six months of the project, total power consumption by participating households was reduced by approximately 50,000 kWh, and CO₂ emissions were reduced by approximately 20 tons per year. Thus, as a resident-participatory energy-saving activity, the project steadily progressed in its efforts to balance local environmental awareness and economic revitalization.

In the 2020s, the power-saving station project further expanded, with the number of participating households reaching 300 by 2023. Total annual power consumption has also been reduced by approximately 20% from the original 500,000 kWh to the current 400,000 kWh. Yamagata Clean Energy Co., Ltd. has joined the project as a new cooperating company, further improving energy efficiency and the supply system. According to the latest data, an average annual reduction of 1,200 kWh per household has been achieved, and CO₂ emissions have been reduced by approximately 50 tons per year.

In addition, the scope of use of "hoochan tickets" has been expanded, and in addition to local stores, they can now be used at eco stores and recycle stores. In cooperation with the Tachikawa Town Recycle Center, discount purchases of recycled home appliances are now available, strengthening the recycling of resources within the town. In addition, solar power generation systems have been installed in public facilities in the town, and annual electricity consumption at the town hall and public schools has been reduced by 15%. As a result, the town as a whole has achieved an annual reduction of approximately 1 million kWh of electricity and an annual reduction of more than 200 tons of CO₂ emissions.

In the future, Tachikawa Town plans to further install energy-saving equipment and increase efficiency with the goal of having all households participate by 2025. The project has also revitalized the local economy through the use of "hoochan tickets," which are used like a local currency, and Tachikawa has plans to expand the project to Kyushu and other regions as a sustainable regional model. The Setsudenjo project is expected to develop in the future as a successful example of increasing residents' sense of participation and local energy management.