Sapporo Issues Electronic Money in Exchange for LED Purchases

Sapporo City of Japan has been conducting a project called the "Sapporo LED Promotion Campaign" since June 1, 2012, as a measure to save energy. The city is handing out electronic money, or 'SAPICA,' worth a maximum of 4,000 yen (about US$50.63) to city residents who purchase LED bulbs and other eligible campaign products at stores and install them in their homes. SAPICA are stored on IC (Integrated Circuit) cards that function as electronic money and can be used to ride the city subway and also shop at member stores.

The campaign is targeting light bulbs and lighting equipment that use LEDs as a light source and are marketed to households. Out-of-city, mail, and Internet orders are not subject to the campaign. SAPICA worth 2,000 yen (about US$25.32) is issued for purchases between 4,000 and 8,000 yen (about US$101.27) while SAPICA worth 4,000 yen is issued for purchases of 8,000 yen or more.

The city has budgeted 40 million yen (about US$506,329) for the campaign and is accepting and reviewing applications from businesses on a first-come-first-served basis. The city stopped accepting applications on September 21 because it had exhausted its budget. The city submitted a request for a budget increase of 10 million yen and will resume accepting applications once the budget increase is accepted.