au Energy & Life Launches “au Denchi,” a Home Battery Service for Lower Electricity Bills and Disaster Preparedness

au Energy & Life Co., Ltd. held a PR event for its new service “au Denchi” on May 13, 2026, at TODA HALL & CONFERENCE TOKYO, marking the launch of a new energy service that combines “au Denki” electricity plans with home storage batteries. At the event, President Shigeru Saito and Business Promotion Department General Manager Kazuki Kuribayashi explained the background and features of the service. They cited rising fuel prices, increased electricity demand caused by extreme summer heat, and growing disaster risks as reasons why energy use and backup power at home are becoming more important. They also noted that regulatory changes in April 2026 created an environment in which small-scale power sources such as household batteries can be aggregated and traded in electricity markets. “au Denchi” is offered with no initial battery cost, no installation fee, and no monthly fee. The service remotely controls home batteries and links them with the supply-demand adjustment market, creating new value from energy resources installed in households. The company said it aims to provide savings, peace of mind, and environmental contribution through a service that can be integrated into everyday life without burden. Guests Sayuri Matsumura, a new mother, and Natsuko Yokosawa, a mother of three, also appeared on stage. Matsumura said she has become much more conscious of electricity bills since spending more time at home after giving birth, especially as hotter days have increased air conditioner use. Yokosawa shared that while preparing her child’s lunch for a school excursion that morning, she used the microwave heavily and was reminded how much electricity families use every day. The event also included a talk segment on the theme of saving up to 3,000 yen per month. Asked how they would use 36,000 yen in annual savings, or more than 100,000 yen over three years, Yokosawa said she would subscribe to a premium fruit delivery service for her family. Matsumura said she would use the savings to visit leisure facilities around Tokyo in advance, so she can later take her daughter there. In the second half, the guests took part in a “Denki Quiz” covering savings, disaster preparedness, and eco-friendly living. Questions included how long an air conditioner could be used with 3,000 yen in savings and how long a refrigerator could run during a power outage, while introducing the features of “au Denchi” and the “au Denki eco Plan.” At the end, Matsumura presented an original PR phrase for the service, adding a warm and lighthearted close to the event. “au Denchi” combines “au Denki” with a storage battery to reduce monthly electricity costs and prepare for power outages. During an outage, remote control is stopped and the battery supplies power to the customer’s home, helping keep electricity available for a certain period.