About 90% Feel Burdened by Summer Electricity/Gas Bills Even With Subsidies: Summer Utility Costs and Household Budget Management

KAUSHE Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo), which operates the shopping app "KAUSHE," conducted a survey on "Summer Electricity/Gas Bills and Household Budget Management" targeting 1,354 KAUSHE users.

Starting July 1, 2026, the government's "Electricity and Gas Bill Support" will be implemented, expected to reduce the burden by approximately 5,000 yen over three months for a standard household. This survey revealed people's actual feelings and their strategies for managing household budgets, taking such support into account.

<Survey Summary>

88% feel a "burden" from summer electricity/gas bills, even with government support

94.1% feel "anxious" about this summer's electricity/gas bills

73.8% refrain from using air conditioning due to concerns about electricity costs

"Eating out" is the top expense to cut for savings at 57.9%. "Food expenses" also at 39.0%

40.8% respond that they "refrain from cooking that uses fire" during hot weather

About 80% utilize apps/services for savings. "Point-earning apps" are most popular at 55.6%

<Survey Results in Detail>

Regarding the burden of summer electricity and gas bills at home, taking into account the government's support measures starting from the July usage (approximately 5,000 yen reduction over three months), 42.6% answered "feel a great burden" and 45.4% answered "feel somewhat burdened," totaling 88% who "feel a burden."

Even with the start of support measures, the results show that about 90% feel a burden. Amidst continued price increases, it appears that many consumers still feel the burden even with some relief from subsidies.

When asked about this summer's electricity and gas bills, 56.5% answered "very anxious" and 37.6% answered "somewhat anxious," totaling 94.1% who are "anxious." Only 5.9% answered "not anxious." More than half answered "very anxious," indicating strong caution spreading before the height of summer.

When asked "Do you sometimes refrain from using air conditioning due to concerns about electricity costs?", 23.4% answered "often" and 50.4% answered "sometimes," totaling 73.8% who "sometimes refrain."

The survey revealed that anxiety about electricity costs is leading to reduced air conditioner use during the intense heat. However, refraining from using air conditioning increases the risk of heatstroke, highlighting the difficult choices consumers face between health and their finances.

When asked about expenses they consider cutting to prepare for electricity and gas bills (multiple responses allowed), the top answer was "eating out" at 57.9%. This was followed by "leisure (outings/travel)" at 49.7% and "clothing" at 41.9%.

Notably, 39% (about 40%) also answered that they would cut "daily food expenses." This suggests that the burden of electricity and gas costs is impacting not only discretionary spending like dining out and leisure but also daily meals.

Regarding changes in the summer dining table (multiple responses allowed), the most common response was "refraining from cooking that uses fire, such as on a stove or in an oven," at 40.8%. "Loss of appetite, leading to fewer dishes or smaller portions" was also cited by 24.8%.

This indicates a shift towards cooking methods that do not require fire to avoid the heat and utility costs associated with cooking, showing that both the intense heat and electricity/gas bills are influencing the nature of summer dining.

When asked about apps and services used for saving money (multiple responses allowed), only 18.1% answered "do not use," indicating that about 80% utilize some form of app or service. The most popular was "point-earning apps" at 55.6%, followed by "coupon apps" at 38.1% and "services for free items" at 30.9%.

It was found that consumers are not just "cutting" expenses but are also actively engaging in behaviors to supplement their household budgets enjoyably by using points and services that offer deals or free items.

This survey indicates that even with government support, many consumers still feel a burden and anxiety regarding summer electricity and gas bills. With about 90% feeling the burden, many are adjusting their air conditioning usage and meal preparation with electricity and gas costs in mind, suggesting that balancing health and diet will be a key theme for summer living.

On the other hand, consumers are not just "enduring and cutting" expenses but are also taking proactive steps to "gain benefits while having fun" by using point-earning services and deals for free items.

KAUSHE will continue to provide services that meet these new consumer needs, including "KAUSHE Farm," where users can get free ingredients like vegetables by playing a game while shopping.

<Survey Overview>

Survey Name: Survey on Summer Electricity/Gas Bills and Household Budget Management

Number of Valid Responses: 1,354 men and women nationwide

Survey Method: Internet survey

Survey Conducted: June 11 - June 16, 2026

Survey Organizer: KAUSHE Inc.

*If you wish to quote or reproduce the results of this survey, please clearly state "Survey by KAUSHE."

*Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding to the second decimal place.

*For questions allowing multiple responses, the total may exceed 100%.

About the Shopping App "KAUSHE"

"KAUSHE" is a shopping app that makes everyday life more enjoyable and affordable.

Through features like the in-app farming game "KAUSHE Farm" and "User Posts" where customers can share their thoughts on products, users can enjoy shopping. It offers "new encounters with products" that are both affordable and discoverable, focusing on food and daily necessities.

About KAUSHE Inc.

With the mission "Bringing Fun to Everyday Life," we operate the shopping app "KAUSHE." By creating an exciting shopping experience for both customers purchasing goods and businesses selling them, we aim to update the digital shopping experience as a place where users can pursue enjoyment beyond just the purpose of "purchasing items."

"KAUSHE" App Overview

Official Name: "KAUSHE"

Development and Operation: KAUSHE Inc.

Compatible Devices: iPhone, Android

Service Area: Japan

Supported Languages: Japanese

Service Start Date: September 1, 2020

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/id1527218749

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kauche.kauche

Official X Account: https://x.com/kauche_jp

Company Profile

Company Name: KAUSHE Inc.

Business Description: Operation of "KAUSHE"

Representative Name: Kenpei Monnai