Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the date of promulgation; provided, however, that the provisions listed in the following items come into effect as of the dates prescribed in the respective items:

Article 8(1)With regard to the designation of a period for the installation of Electric Facilities and the commencement of business with a license under Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Electricity Business Act or for the change with permission under Article 8, paragraph (1) of said Act of the service area or the recipient of supply of electricity and the service point or the particulars concerning Electric Facilities, if an application for the license or permission has been filed prior to the enforcement of Article 36, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

(2)With regard to a notification under Article 42, paragraph (1) or Article 71, paragraph (1) of the Electricity Business Act prior to the revision by Article 36, which has been made prior to the enforcement of Article 36, a notification of the revision of the construction plan to which such notification pertained, and an order to revise or discontinue the construction plan to which these notifications pertained, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

(3)With regard to the granting of certification and a chief engineering license to a person who has applied for certification, prior to November 30, 1984, pursuant to Article 54, paragraph (4), item (ii) of the Electricity Business Act prior to the revision by of Article 36, and the grant of a chief engineering license to a person who has obtained certification pursuant to said item or passed a national examination for a chief electricity engineering license prior to said date, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.In this case, the person who intends to obtain certification or a chief engineering license must pay the fee determined by Cabinet Order in light of the actual cost.

(4)With regard to the application of the provisions of Article 112, paragraph (1) of the Electricity Business Act revised by Article 36 for the period from the date of enforcement of Article 36 until November 30, 1984, the phrase "person who intends to obtain a chief engineering license pursuant to Article 54, paragraph (3), item (i) or item (ii), or by reason of having passed an examination for a chief electricity engineering license the Specific Examination Affairs of which are administered by a Designated Examining Body, a person who intends to take an examination for a chief electricity engineering license" in Article 112, paragraph (1) is deemed to be replaced with "person who intends to obtain certification pursuant to Article 54, paragraph (4), item (ii), a person who intends to take an examination for a chief electricity engineering license, a person who intends to obtain a chief engineering license."

Article 16With regard to the application of penal provisions to any acts committed prior to the enforcement of this Act as well as any acts committed after the enforcement of Article 17, Article 22, Article 36, Article 37 or Article 39 if the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply pursuant to Article 3, Article 5, paragraph (5), Article 8, paragraph (2), Article 9 or Article 10 of the Supplementary Provisions, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

This Act comes into effect as of the date of enforcement of the Act for Partial Revision of the Commercial Code, etc.

Article 42With regard to the application of penal provisions to any acts committed prior to the enforcement of this Act as well as any acts committed after the enforcement of this Act if the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply pursuant to Article 3 (including cases where it is applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 10) and Article 12 of the Supplementary Provisions of the Act for Partial Revision of the Commercial Code, etc., the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the date of enforcement of the Administrative Procedure Act (Act No. 88 of 1993).

Article 2If, prior to the enforcement of this Act, an appeal or other request has been filed or made under laws and regulations to a council or any other panel, requesting that procedures equivalent to the procedures to hold hearings or grant the opportunity for explanation and other procedures to hear statements of opinions prescribed in Article 13 of the Administrative Procedure Act should be implemented, with regard to the procedures to make adverse dispositions pertaining to the appeal or request, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply notwithstanding the provisions of the relevant Acts revised by this Act.

Article 13With regard to the application of penal provisions to any acts committed prior to the enforcement of this Act, provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 14Procedures for hearings (excluding, however, those concerning adverse dispositions) implemented under Acts prior to the enforcement of this Act or procedures incidental thereto are deemed to have been implemented under the relevant provisions of respective Acts revised by this Act.

Article 15Beyond what is provided for in Article 2 to the preceding Article in the Supplementary Provisions, any necessary transitional measures for the enforcement of this Act are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the date specified by Cabinet Order within a period not exceeding nine months from the date of promulgation.

Article 2(1)If business conducted by a person who has obtained, prior to the enforcement of this Act, a license for Wholesale Electricity Business set forth in Article 2, paragraph (3) of the Electricity Business Act prior to the revision (hereinafter referred to as the "Former Act") pursuant to Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Former Act, which is intended to supply a General Electric Utility with electricity to be used for its General Electricity Business, satisfies the requirements specified by Ordinance of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry under Article 2, paragraph (1), item (iii) of the Electricity Business Act after the revision (hereinafter referred to as the "New Act"), the license that the person has obtained under Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Former Act is deemed to have been obtained under Article 3, paragraph (1) of the New Act.

(2)If a person who has obtained, prior to the enforcement of this Act, a license for Wholesale Electricity Business under Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Former Act (excluding, however, persons who are deemed pursuant to the preceding paragraph to have obtained a license under Article 3, paragraph (1) of the New Act) has promised to supply a General Electric Utility with electricity to be used for its General Electricity Business, and such person has obtained a license under Article 3, paragraph (1) or permission under Article 8, paragraph (1) of the Former Act with respect to the Electric Facilities to be used for the supply of electricity, the business conducted by the person as promised to supply the General Electric Utility with electricity to be used for its General Electricity Business is deemed to be Wholesale Electricity Business set forth in Article 2, paragraph (1), item (iii) of the New Act, and the license that the person has obtained under Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Former Act (limited, however, to the part concerning the business deemed to be Wholesale Electricity Business set forth in Article 2, paragraph (1), item (iii) of the New Act) is deemed to have been obtained under Article 3, paragraph (1) of the New Act; provided, however, that this does not apply with regard to the application of the provisions of Article 2, paragraph (3) and Article 29 of the New Act, and Article 24-4, paragraph (1) of the Electricity Business Act revised by Article 1 of the Act for Partial Revision of the Electricity Business Act and the Gas Business Act (Act No. 92 of 2003).

Article 3With regard to changes to the particulars listed in Article 6, paragraph (2), item (iv) of the Former Act, for which permission has been obtained under Article 8, paragraph (1) of the Former Act, it is deemed that notification has been given pursuant to Article 9, paragraph (1) of the New Act.

Article 4General supply provisions which have been approved under Article 19, paragraph (1) of the Former Act prior to the enforcement of this Act are deemed to be general supply provisions approved under Article 19, paragraph (1) of the New Act.

Article 5(1)Rates and other supply conditions approved under the proviso of Article 21 of the Former Act are, if they are approved by the Minister of International Trade and Industry within six months from the date of enforcement of this Act (hereinafter referred to as the "Date of Enforcement") pursuant to the provisions of Ordinance of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, deemed to have been approved under the proviso of Article 21 of the New Act.

(2)General Electricity Utilities may, within six months from the Date of Enforcement, supply electricity under the rates and other supply conditions approved under the proviso of Article 21 of the Former Act, without obtaining approval under the proviso of Article 21 of the New Act.

Article 6(1)Rates and other supply conditions which have been approved under Article 22, paragraph (1) of the Former Act prior to the enforcement of this Act with respect to the supply of electricity that falls under the category of Wholesale Supply set forth in Article 2, paragraph (1), item (ix) of the New Act are deemed to have been approved under Article 22, paragraph (1) of the New Act.

(2)If a person other than an Electricity Utility set forth in Article 2, paragraph (6) of the Former Act has promised, prior to the Date of Enforcement, to provide an supply of electricity that falls under the category of Wholesale Supply set forth in Article 2, paragraph (1), item (ix) of the New Act under particular rates and supply conditions, the person may, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 22, paragraph (1) of the New Act, provide the Wholesale Supply under such supply conditions.

Article 7A facility plan of Electric Facilities and an supply of electricity plan for the business year that contains the Date of Enforcement, of which a General Electric Utility or a Wholesale Electricity Utility set forth in Article 2, paragraph (1), item (iv) of the New Act has given notification pursuant to Article 29, paragraph (1) of the Former Act, are deemed to be a supply plan for which notification was given pursuant to Article 29, paragraph (1) of the New Act.

Article 8A person who has passed a national examination for a chief electricity engineering license conducted under Article 56 of the Former Act is deemed to have passed an examination for a chief electricity engineering license conducted under Article 45 of the New Act.

Article 9(1)Until April 1, 1997, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry has examiners for a chief electricity engineering license in order to have them to take charge of the affairs concerning an examination for such chief electricity engineering license under Article 45, paragraph (1) of the New Act (excluding, however, the affairs concerning an examination for a Third-Class Chief Electricity Engineering License).

(2)Examiners for a chief electricity engineering license may, in addition to the affairs set forth in the preceding paragraph, state their opinions on the particulars concerning the qualification of a chief electricity engineer when requested by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

(3)Until April 1, 1997, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry may have expert advisers for the examination for a chief electricity engineering license in order to have them to investigate technical particulars concerning the examination for a chief electricity engineering license.

(4)Examiners for a chief electricity engineering license and expert advisers for the examination for a chief electricity engineering license (hereinafter referred to as "Examiners, etc.") are appointed by the Minister of International Trade and Industry from among personnel of relevant administrative organs and people with knowledge and experience in electric engineering.

(5)Beyond what is provided for in the preceding paragraphs, any necessary particulars on Examiners, etc. are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 10Any dispositions, procedures or other acts conducted prior to the Date of Enforcement pursuant to the provisions of the Former Act or any order issued thereunder are, if the New Act or any order issued thereunder contains provisions corresponding to such provisions, deemed to have been conducted under the relevant provisions of the New Act or the order issued thereunder, except those otherwise provided by the Supplementary Provisions.

Article 11With regard to the application of penal provisions to any acts committed prior to the Date of Enforcement, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 12Beyond what is provided for in Article 2 to the preceding Article in the Supplementary Provisions, any necessary transitional measures for the enforcement of this Act are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the date of promulgation.

Article 12(1)With regard to the granting of a chief engineering license to a person who has filed an application for a chief engineering license, prior to the enforcement of Article 11, pursuant to Article 44, paragraph (2), item (iii) of the Electricity Business Act prior to the revision by Article 11, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

(2)The provisions of Article 55-2 of the Electricity Business Act revised by Article 11 do not apply to the heir, the corporation surviving after the merger or the corporation newly established upon the merger if inheritance or merger has taken place prior to the enforcement of Article 11.

Article 17With regard to the application of penal provisions to any acts committed prior to the enforcement of this Act as well as any acts committed after the enforcement of this Act if the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply pursuant to the Supplementary Provisions of this Act, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 18Beyond what is provided for in Article 2 to the preceding Article in the Supplementary Provisions, any necessary transitional measures for the enforcement of this Act are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the date of enforcement of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act.

Article 2(1)With regard to Electric Facilities for Business Use pertaining to a Class 1 Project or a Class 2 Project that are excluded, pursuant to Article 3, paragraph (1) or paragraph (3) of the Supplementary Provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, from the application of the provisions of Chapters 2 to 7 of said Act, the provisions of Chapter 3, Section 2, Subsection 2-2 of the Electricity Business Act revised by this Act (hereinafter referred to as the "New Act") do not apply.

(2)With regard to the application of the provisions of Article 47, paragraph (3) of the New Act to the approval of a change of the construction plan that has been approved, prior to the enforcement of this Act, pursuant to Article 47, paragraph (1) of the Electricity Business Act prior to the revision by this Act (hereinafter referred to as the "Former Act"), if the construction project falls under the category of Class 1 Projects or Class 2 Projects that are excluded, pursuant to Article 3, paragraph (1) or paragraph (3) of the Supplementary Provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, from the application of the provisions of Chapters 2 to 7 of said Act, the phrase "the following items" in Article 47, paragraph (3) of the New Act is deemed to be replaced with "the following items (excluding items (iii) and (iv))."

(3)With regard to the application of the provisions of Article 48, paragraph (3) and paragraph (4) of the New Act to the notification given under Article 48, paragraph (1) of the Former Act prior to the enforcement of this Act and the notification of the change of the construction plan to which such notification pertained, if the construction project falls under the category of Class 1 Projects or Class 2 Projects that are excluded, pursuant to Article 3, paragraph (1) or paragraph (3) of the Supplementary Provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, from the application of the provisions of Chapters 2 to 7 of said Act, the phrase "the items of paragraph (3) of the preceding Article" in Article 48, paragraph (3), item (i) of the New Act is deemed to be replaced with "the items of paragraph (3) of the preceding Article (excluding item (iii) and item (iv))," and the phrase "the items of the preceding paragraph" in Article 48, paragraph (4) of the New Act is deemed to be replaced with "paragraph (3), item (i) or item (ii) of the preceding Article or item (ii) of the preceding paragraph."

Article 3Beyond what is provided for in the preceding Article, any necessary transitional measures for the enforcement of this Act are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 4When ten years have elapsed since the enforcement of this Act, the government is to review the status of enforcement of this Act, and take any necessary measures based the results of said review.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of March 21, 2000; provided, however, that the provisions listed in the following items come into effect as of the dates prescribed in the respective items:

Article 2(1)With regard to the transfer of facilities used for Electricity Business or making them subject to any rights other than ownership (hereinafter referred to as "Transfer of Facilities, etc." in the following paragraph) for which permission has been obtained under Article 13, paragraph (1) of the Electricity Business Act prior to the revision by Article 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "Former Electricity Act"), it is deemed that notification has been given pursuant to Article 13, paragraph (1) of the Electricity Business Act revised by Article 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "New Electricity Act").

(2)An application for permission of Transfer of Facilities, etc. filed under Article 13, paragraph (1) of the Former Electricity Act prior to the enforcement of this Act is deemed to be a notification given pursuant to Article 13, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Act.

(3)Supply provisions approved under Article 19, paragraph (1) of the Former Electricity Act prior to the enforcement of this Act (excluding, however, the part exclusively pertaining to specified-scale demand prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (1), item (vii) of the New Electricity Act (hereinafter referred to as "Specified-Scale Demand")) are deemed to be general supply provisions approved under Article 19, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Act.

(4)Optional Supply Provisions for which notification was given under Article 19, paragraph (4) of the Former Electricity Act prior to the enforcement of this Act (excluding, however, the part exclusively pertaining to Specified-Scale Demand) are deemed to be Optional Supply Provisions for which notification was given under Article 19, paragraph (7) of the New Electricity Act.

(5)General Electricity Utilities that supplies electricity to meet Specified-Scale Demand under general supply provisions approved under Article 19, paragraph (1) of the Former Electricity Act, Optional Supply Provisions for which notification was given pursuant to paragraph (4) of said Article, or rates and other supply conditions approved under the proviso of Article 21 of the Former Electricity Act may, if such approval or notification has been granted or given prior to the enforcement of this Act, continue to supply electricity to meet such Specified-Scale Demand as before on the date of enforcement of this Act (hereinafter referred to as the "Date of Enforcement") and thereafter, notwithstanding the provisions of Article 21, paragraph (2) of the New Electricity Act.

(6)Rates and other supply conditions approved under the proviso of Article 21 of the Former Electricity Act (excluding, however, the part exclusively pertaining to Specified-Scale Demand) are deemed, if they are approved by the Minister of International Trade and Industry within one month from the Date of Enforcement pursuant to the provisions of Ordinance of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, to have been approved under the proviso of Article 21, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Act.

(7)General Electricity Utilities may, within one month from the Date of Enforcement, supply electricity under the rates and other supply conditions approved under the proviso of Article 21 of the Former Electricity Act (excluding, however, the part exclusively pertaining to Specified-Scale Demand), without obtaining approval under the proviso of Article 21, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Act.

(8)With regard to rates and other supply conditions approved under Article 22, paragraph (1) of the Former Electricity Act prior to the enforcement of this Act, it is deemed that notification has been given pursuant to Article 22, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Act.

(9)An application for approval of supply conditions for Wholesale Supply filed under Article 22, paragraph (1) of the Former Electricity Act prior to the enforcement of this Act is deemed to be a notification given under Article 22, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Act.

Article 3(1)General Electricity Utilities that has obtained a license under Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Former Electricity Act prior to the promulgation of this Act must, by January 4, 2000, formulate provisions prescribed in Article 19-2, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Act, and notify the Minister of International Trade and Industry of the provisions pursuant to the provisions of Ordinance of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. The same applies if the General Electric Utility intends to revise the provisions (limited, however, to the cases where an order has been issued under paragraph (2) of said Article as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to the following paragraph).

(2)The provisions of Article 19-2, paragraph (2) of the New Electricity Act apply mutatis mutandis to provisions to which the notification given under the preceding paragraph pertained.

(3)General Electricity Utilities that have given notification pursuant to paragraph (1) must, pursuant to the provisions of Ordinance of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, display the provisions for which notification was given pursuant to said paragraph at a place accessible to the public in its business office or place of business.

(4)Provisions for which notification was given pursuant to paragraph (1) become effective on the Date of Enforcement.

(5)Provisions for which notification was given pursuant to paragraph (1) are deemed to be provisions for which notification was given pursuant to Article 19-2, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Act.

Article 4(1)A Designated Electricity Utility that has received designation under Article 24-3, paragraph (1) of the Former Electricity Act prior to the promulgation of this Act must, by January 4, 2000, formulate Cross-Area Wheeling Service provisions prescribed in Article 24-3, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Act to set rates and other supply conditions for such Cross-Area Wheeling Service with respect to electricity to be used for a Specified-Scale Electricity Business prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (1), item (vii) of the New Electricity Act, and notify the Minister of International Trade and Industry of the rates and conditions pursuant to the provisions of Ordinance of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. The same applies if the Designated Electricity Utility intends to revise the rates and conditions (limited, however, to the cases where an order has been issued under Article 24-3, paragraph (3) of the New Electricity Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to the following paragraph).

(2)The provisions of Article 24-3, paragraph (3) of the New Electricity Act apply mutatis mutandis to Cross-Area Wheeling Service provisions to which the notification given under the preceding paragraph pertained.

(3)A Designated Electricity Utility that has given notification pursuant to paragraph (1) must, pursuant to the provisions of Ordinance of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, publicize the Cross-Area Wheeling Service provisions for which notification was given pursuant to said paragraph.

(4)Cross-Area Wheeling Service provisions for which notification was given pursuant to paragraph (1) are to become effective on the Date of Enforcement.

(5)Cross-Area Wheeling Service provisions for which notification was given pursuant to paragraph (1) are deemed to be a Cross-Area Wheeling Service provisions for which notification was given pursuant to Article 24-3, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Act.

Article 5(1)General Electricity Utilities that has obtained a license under Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Former Electricity Act prior to the promulgation of this Act must, by January 4, 2000, pursuant to the provisions of Ordinance of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, formulate Intra-Area Wheeling Service provisions prescribed in Article 24-4, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Act, and notify the Minister of International Trade and Industry of the provisions pursuant to the provisions of Ordinance of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. The same applies if the General Electric Utility intends to revise the provisions (limited, however, to cases where an order has been issued under paragraph (3) of said Article as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to the following paragraph).

(2)The provisions of Article 24-4, paragraph (3) of the New Electricity Act apply mutatis mutandis to Intra-Area Wheeling Service provisions to which the notification given under the preceding paragraph pertained.

(3)General Electricity Utilities that has given a notification pursuant to paragraph (1) must, pursuant to the provisions of Ordinance of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, publicize the Intra-Area Wheeling Service provisions for which notification was given pursuant to said paragraph.

(4)Intra-Area Wheeling Service provisions for which notification was given pursuant to paragraph (1) are to become effective on the Date of Enforcement.

(5)Intra-Area Wheeling Service provisions for which notification was given pursuant to paragraph (1) are deemed to be Intra-Area Wheeling Service provisions for which notification was given pursuant to Article 24-4, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Act.

Article 6(1)A person who has violated an order issued under Article 19-2, paragraph (2) of the New Electricity Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 3, paragraph (2) of the Supplementary Provisions, Article 24-3, paragraph (3) of the New Electricity Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 4, paragraph (2) of the Supplementary Provisions, or Article 24-4, paragraph (3) of the New Electricity Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (2) of the preceding Article is punished by a fine of not more than three million yen.

(2)A person who falls under any of the following items is punished by a fine of not more than 300,000 yen:

(3)If the representative of a corporation or an agent, employee or other worker of a corporation or an individual has, with regard to the business of the corporation or individual, committed the violations prescribed in the preceding two paragraphs, not only is the offender punished, but also the corporation or individual is punished by the fine prescribed in the respective paragraphs.

Article 7Any dispositions, procedures or other acts conducted prior to the Date of Enforcement pursuant to the provisions of the Former Electricity Act or any order issued thereunder are, if the New Electricity Act or any order issued thereunder contains provisions corresponding to such provisions, deemed to have been conducted under the relevant provisions of the New Act or the order issued thereunder, except those otherwise provided by the Supplementary Provisions.

Article 10With regard to the application of penal provisions to any acts committed prior to the enforcement of this Act (or the respective provisions listed in Article 1, item (ii) of the Supplementary Provisions), the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 11Beyond what is provided for in Article 2 to the preceding Article in the Supplementary Provisions, any necessary transitional measures for the enforcement of this Act are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 12When three years have elapsed since the enforcement of this Act, the government is to review the status of enforcement of this Act, and take any necessary measures based on the results of said review.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of April 1, 2000; provided, however, that the provisions listed in the following items come into effect as of the dates prescribed in the respective items:

Article 159Beyond what is provided for in the respective Acts prior to the revision by this Act, affairs that are managed or performed, prior to the enforcement of this Act, by an organ of a local public entity on behalf of the State, other local public entity or other public bodies pursuant to Acts or Cabinet Order enacted thereunder (hereinafter referred to as "Affairs of the State, etc." in Article 161 of the Supplementary Provisions) are to, after the enforcement of this Act, be handled by the local public entity as its own affairs pursuant to Acts or Cabinet Order enacted thereunder.

Article 160(1)With respect to dispositions to grant licenses/permission, etc. and other acts conducted, prior to the enforcement of this Act (or the respective provisions listed in the items of Article 1 of the Supplementary Provisions; hereinafter the same applies in this Article and Article 163 of the Supplementary Provisions), pursuant to the respective Acts prior to the revision (hereinafter referred to as "Dispositions and Other Acts" in this Article) or applications for licenses/permission, etc. and other acts conducted, prior to the enforcement of this Act, pursuant to the respective Acts prior to the revision (hereinafter referred to as "Applications and Other Acts" in this Article), if administrative affairs pertaining to these acts come under the jurisdiction of different persons on the date of enforcement of this Act, these acts, except those prescribed in Article 2 to the preceding Article in the Supplementary Provisions or in the provisions of the respective revised Acts (including orders issued thereunder) concerning transitional measures, are deemed, with regard to the application of the respective revised Acts after the date of enforcement of this Act, as Dispositions and Other Acts or Applications and Other Acts conducted pursuant to the relevant provisions of the respective revised Acts.

(2)With respect to particulars for which reports, notification, submission or other procedures must be conducted before the organs of the State or local public entities, prior to the enforcement of this Act, pursuant to the respective Acts prior to the revision, if these procedures have not yet been conducted by the date of enforcement of this Act, the provisions of the respective Acts revised by this Act apply to such procedures, except those otherwise provided by this Act or Cabinet Order enacted thereunder, on the assumption that reports, notification, submission or other procedures have not yet been conducted with respect to particulars for which such procedures must be conducted before the organs of the State or local public entities pursuant to the relevant provisions of the respective revised Acts.

Article 161(1)With respect to dispositions pertaining to Affairs of the State, etc. made prior to the Date of Enforcement by the administrative agencies (hereinafter referred to as the "Administrative Agencies That Made Dispositions" in this Article) that have been subordinated, prior to the Date of Enforcement, to higher administrative agencies prescribed under the Administrative Appeal Act (hereinafter referred to as the "Higher Administrative Agencies" in this Article), the Administrative Appeal Act applies to appeals filed against such dispositions pursuant to said Act, on the assumption that the Administrative Agencies That Made the Dispositions are still subordinate to the Higher Administrative Agencies after the date of enforcement.In this case, the administrative agencies that are deemed to be Higher Administrative Agencies of the Administrative Agencies That Made Dispositions are the administrative agencies to which the Administrative Agencies That Made Dispositions have been subordinated prior to the date of enforcement.

(2)In the case referred to in the preceding paragraph, if the administrative agencies that are deemed to be Higher Administrative Agencies are organs of local public entities, the affairs to be handled by the organs pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Appeal Act are Item (i) Statutory Entrusted Functions prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (9), item (i) of the new Local Autonomy Act.

Article 162With regard to fees payable prior to the Date of Enforcement pursuant to the provisions of the respective Acts prior to revision by this Act (including orders issued thereunder), except those otherwise provided by this Act or Cabinet Order enacted thereunder, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 163With regard to the application of penal provisions to acts committed prior to the enforcement of this Act, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 164(1)Beyond what is provided for in the Supplementary Provisions, any necessary transitional measures for the enforcement of this Act (including transitional measures concerning penal provisions) are specified by Cabinet Order.

(2)Any necessary particulars concerning the application of the provisions of Article 18, Article 51, and Article 184 of the Supplementary Provisions are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 250Item (i) Statutory Entrusted Functions prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (9), item (i) of the new Local Autonomy Act are to, in addition, be created to the minimum possible extent, and such affairs listed in Appended Table I of the new Local Autonomy Act and those provided for by Cabinet Order enacted under the new Local Autonomy Act are to be examined from the perspective of promoting decentralization and be reviewed appropriately.

Article 251The government is to, in order to enable local public entities to execute their affairs and services voluntarily and independently, examine how to secure adequate sources of local tax revenue based on the sharing of roles between the State and local public entities taking into account the prevailing economic trends, and take the necessary measures based on examination results.

Article 252The government is to, along with various reforms such as the medical insurance system reform and the pension system reform, study an ideal administrative system for social insurance and a desirable personnel system therefor from the viewpoint of ensuring convenience for the insured and increasing efficiency in administration, and take measures as required based on results of studies, if it finds it necessary to do so.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the date of enforcement of the Act for Partial Revision of the Cabinet Act (Act No. 88 of 1999); provided, however, that the provisions listed in the following items come into effect as of the dates prescribed in the respective items:

Article 3A person who is an official (excluding, however, the chairperson and members of the Council, etc. under Article 8 of the National Government Organization Act (Act No. 120 of 1948)), the members of the Central Disaster Prevention Council, the chairperson and members of the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee, and those specified by Cabinet Order as similar persons) of the former Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Construction or Ministry of Home Affairs (hereinafter referred to as the "Former Office or Ministry" in this Article) at the time of enforcement of this Act is to, unless an appointment is announced separately, become a corresponding official of the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, or Ministry of the Environment after the enforcement of this Act (hereinafter referred to as the "New Office or Ministry" in this Article) or a department or organization established thereunder, which is specified by Cabinet Order as the New Office or Ministry or the department or organization established thereunder that corresponds to the Former Office or Ministry or the department or organization established thereunder to which said official belongs at the time of enforcement of this Act, with the same working conditions.

Article 30Beyond what is provided for in Article 2 to the preceding Article, any necessary transitional measures for the enforcement of this Act are provided by other Acts.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of July 1, 2000; provided, however, that the provisions listed in the following items come into effect as of the dates prescribed in the respective items:

Article 39A person who intends to receive designation under Article 50-2, paragraph (3), Article 52, paragraph (3), or Article 55, paragraph (2) of the Electricity Business Act revised by Article 9 (hereinafter referred to as the "New Electricity Business Act") may file an application for designation prior to the enforcement of Article 9. The same applies if the person intends to file an application for approval of Operational Rules under Article 72, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Business Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 81-3 of the New Electricity Business Act.

Article 40With regard to the application of Article 42, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Business Act to a person who has commenced, prior to the enforcement of Article 9, a construction project to install Electric Facilities subject to a self-inspection as set forth in Article 50-2, paragraph (1) or Article 52, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Business Act, the phrase "before the commencement of the use of the Electric Facilities for Business Use by the organization (in the case of the facilities requiring self-inspection set forth in Article 50-2, paragraph (1) or Article 52, paragraph (1), before the commencement of the construction of the facilities)" in Article 42, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Business Act is deemed to be replaced with "without delay after the enforcement of Article 9 of the Act on Consolidation and Streamlining of Standards and Certification Systems Relating to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Act No. 121 of 1999)."

Article 41With regard to inspections of machines and apparatus of which an application for inspection has been filed, prior to the enforcement of Article 9, pursuant to Article 52, paragraph (1) of the Electricity Business Act prior to the revision by Article 9 (hereinafter referred to as the "Former Electricity Business Act"), the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 42A person who has received designation under Article 55, paragraph (1) of the Former Electricity Business Act prior to the enforcement of Article 9 is deemed to have received designation under Article 49, paragraph (1) or Article 54 of the New Electricity Business Act on the date of enforcement of Article 9.

Article 43A person who has received designation under Article 57-2, paragraph (1) of the Former Electricity Business Act prior to the enforcement of Article 9 is deemed to have received designation under Article 57-2, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Business Act on the date of enforcement of Article 9.

Article 68Any dispositions, procedures or other acts conducted, prior to the enforcement of this Act (or the respective provisions listed in the items of Article 1 of the Supplementary Provisions), pursuant to the provisions of the respective Acts prior to the revision (including orders issued thereunder; hereinafter the same applies in this Article) are, if the respective revised Acts contain provisions corresponding to such provisions, deemed to have been conducted under the relevant provisions of the respective revised Acts, except those otherwise provided by the Supplementary Provisions.

Article 69With regard to the application of penal provisions to any acts committed prior to the enforcement of this Act (or the respective provisions of the items of Article 1 of the Supplementary Provisions) (or with respect to the Consumer Product Safety Association, prior to the provisions of the former Consumer Product Safety Act losing effect despite Article 10 of the Supplementary Provisions deeming that these provisions remain in force; with respect to the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan, prior to the provisions of the former High Pressure Gas Safety Act losing effect despite Article 30 of the Supplementary Provisions deeming that these provisions remain in force) as well as any acts committed after the enforcement of this Act if the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply pursuant to the Supplementary Provisions, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 70Beyond what is provided for in Articles 2 to 9 and Article 14 to the preceding Article in the Supplementary Provisions, any necessary transitional measures for the enforcement of this Act (including transitional measures concerning penal provisions) are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 1This Act (excluding Article 2 and Article 3) comes into effect as of January 6, 2001.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the date specified by Cabinet Order within a period not exceeding six months from the date of promulgation.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of April 1, 2002 (hereinafter referred to as the "Date of Enforcement"), and applies to short-term bonds, etc. issued on the Date of Enforcement and thereafter.

Article 7With regard to the application of penal provisions to any acts committed prior to the Date of Enforcement as well as any acts committed after the Date of Enforcement if the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply pursuant to the Supplementary Provisions, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 8Beyond what is provided for in the Supplementary Provisions, any necessary transitional measures for the enforcement of this Act are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 9When five years have elapsed since the enforcement of this Act, the government is to, while taking into account the status of enforcement of this Act and changes in the socioeconomic circumstances, review the system concerning Transfer Agencies, and take any necessary measures based on the review results if it is found necessary.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of January 6, 2003.

Article 84With regard to the application of penal provisions to any acts committed prior to the enforcement of this Act (or the respective provisions of the items of Article 1 of the Supplementary Provisions; hereinafter the same applies in this Article) as well as any acts committed after the enforcement of this Act if the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply pursuant to the Supplementary Provisions, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 85Beyond what is provided for in the Supplementary Provisions, any necessary transitional measures for the enforcement of this Act are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 86When five years have elapsed since the enforcement of this Act, the government is to, while taking into account the status of enforcement of the new Act on Transfer of Bonds, etc., the new Securities Exchange Act, and the Financial Futures Exchange Act as well as changes in the socioeconomic circumstances, review the systems concerning Participant Protection Trusts prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (11) of the new Act on Transfer of Bonds, etc., Securities Clearing Agencies prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (31) of the new Securities Exchange Act and Financial Futures Clearing Agencies prescribed in Article 2, paragraph (15) of the new Financial Futures Exchange Act, and take measures as required based on the review results if it finds it necessary.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the date specified by Cabinet Order within a period not exceeding three months from the date of promulgation; provided, however, that the provisions listed in the following items come into effect as of the dates prescribed in the respective items:

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of April 1, 2003; provided, however, that the provisions of Article 13, paragraph (2) and the provisions of Articles 8 to 13 of the Supplementary Provisions come into effect as of the date specified by Cabinet Order under Article 1, item (ii) of the Supplementary Provisions of the Act for Partial Revision of the Electricity Business Act and the Act on the Regulation of Nuclear Source Material, Nuclear Fuel Material and Reactors (Act No. 178 of 2002).

Article 11With regard to the examination of the system for conducting Operator's Inspections on Welding for which an application for examination has been filed, prior to the enforcement of the preceding Article, pursuant to Article 52, paragraph (3) of the Electricity Business Act prior to the revision by the preceding Article (limited, however, to such examination to be conducted by the JNES pursuant to Article 52, paragraph (3) of the Electricity Business Act revised by the preceding Article), the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 13With regard to the application of penal provisions to any acts committed prior to the enforcement of the proviso of Article 1 of the Supplementary Provisions as well as any acts committed after the enforcement of said proviso if the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply pursuant to the Supplementary Provisions, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 14Beyond what is provided for in Articles 2 to 7, Article 9, Article 11, and the preceding Article in the Supplementary Provisions, any necessary transitional measures upon the establishment of the JNES and any other necessary measures for the enforcement of this Act are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of April 1, 2004.

Article 38With regard to the application of penal provisions to any acts committed prior to the enforcement of this Act, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 39Beyond what is provided for in this Act, any necessary transitional measures for the enforcement of this Act are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 40When five years have elapsed since the enforcement of this Act, the government is to, while taking into account the status of implementation of respective provisions revised by this Act and changes in socioeconomic circumstances, review the relevant financial systems revised by this Act and take any necessary measures based on the review results if it is found necessary.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of March 1, 2004; provided, however, that the provisions listed in the following items come into effect as of the dates prescribed in the respective items:

Article 9(1)A person who intends to be registered under Article 50-2, paragraph (3), Article 52, paragraph (3), Article 55, paragraph (4), or Article 57-2, paragraph (1) of the Electricity Business Act revised by Article 8 (hereinafter referred to as the "New Electricity Business Act") may file an application for registration prior to the enforcement of this Act. The same applies if the person intends to give notification of the Operational Rules under Article 73, paragraph (1) or Article 92-3, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Business Act.

(2)A person who has received designation, prior to the enforcement of this Act, under Article 50-2, paragraph (3), Article 52, paragraph (3), or Article 55, paragraph (4) of the Electricity Business Act prior to the revision by Article 8 (hereinafter referred to as the "Former Electricity Business Act") or under Article 57-2, paragraph (1) of the Former Electricity Business Act is deemed to have been registered under Article 50-2, paragraph (3), Article 52, paragraph (3), or Article 55, paragraph (4) of the New Electricity Business Act or under Article 57-2, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Business Act respectively. In this case, the registration is valid for the period during which the designation under Article 50-2, paragraph (3), Article 52, paragraph (3), or Article 55, paragraph (4) of the Former Electricity Business Act or under Article 57-2, paragraph (1) of the Former Electricity Business Act remains valid.

(3)With regard to a Safety Management Examination for which an application has been filed at the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, prior to the enforcement of this Act, pursuant to Article 50-2, paragraph (3), Article 52, paragraph (3), or Article 55, paragraph (4) of the Former Electricity Business Act, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 11Any dispositions, procedures or other acts conducted, prior to the enforcement of this Act (or the respective provisions listed in the items of Article 1 of the Supplementary Provisions), pursuant to the provisions of the respective Acts prior to revision (including orders issued thereunder; hereinafter the same applies in this Article) are, if the respective revised Acts contain provisions corresponding to such provisions, deemed to have been conducted under the relevant provisions of the respective revised Acts, except those otherwise provided by the Supplementary Provisions.

Article 12With regard to the application of penal provisions to any acts committed prior to the enforcement of this Act (or the respective provisions listed in the items of Article 1 of the Supplementary Provisions; hereinafter the same applies in this Article) as well as any acts committed after the enforcement of this Act if the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply pursuant to the Supplementary Provisions, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 13Beyond what is provided for in Article 2 to the preceding Article in the Supplementary Provisions, any necessary transitional measures for the enforcement of this Act (including transitional measures concerning penal provisions) are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of April 1, 2005; provided, however, that the provisions listed in the following items come into effect as of the dates prescribed in the respective items:

Article 2(1)With regard to the change to which a notification given prior to the enforcement of this Act, pursuant to Article 9, paragraph (1) of the Electricity Business Act prior to the revision by Article 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "Former Electricity Business Act") pertained, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

(2)With regard to the grant of a license under Article 17, paragraph (1) of the Former Electricity Business for which an application has been filed prior to the enforcement of this Act, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 3(1)General Electricity Utilities that has obtained a license under Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Former Electricity Business Act prior to the promulgation of this Act must, by January 4, 2005, formulate Wheeling Service provisions prescribed in Article 24-3, paragraph (1) of the Electricity Business Act revised by Article 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "New Electricity Business Act") pursuant to the provisions of Ordinance of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and notify the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of the provisions pursuant to the provisions of Ordinance of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The same applies if the General Electric Utility intends to revise the provisions (limited, however, to the cases where an order has been issued under paragraph (3) of said Article as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to the following paragraph).

(2)The provisions of Article 24-3, paragraph (3) of the New Electricity Business Act apply mutatis mutandis to Wheeling Service provisions for which notification was given pursuant to the preceding paragraph.

(3)General Electricity Utilities that has given a notification pursuant to paragraph (1) must, pursuant to the provisions of Ordinance of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, publicize the Wheeling Service provisions for which notification was given pursuant to said paragraph.

(4)Wheeling Service provisions for which notification was given pursuant to paragraph (1) become effective on the date of enforcement of this Act.

(5)Wheeling Service provisions for which notification was given pursuant to paragraph (1) are deemed to be Wheeling Service provisions for which notification was given pursuant to Article 24-3, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Business Act.

Article 4(1)A person who has violated an order issued under Article 24-3, paragraph (3) of the New Electricity Business Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (2) of the preceding Article is punished by a fine of not more than three million yen.

(2)A person who falls under any of the following items is punished by a fine of not more than 300,000 yen:

(3)If the representative of a corporation or an agent, employee or other worker of a corporation or an individual has, with regard to the business of the corporation or individual, committed the violations prescribed in the preceding two paragraphs, not only is the offender punished but also the corporation or individual is punished by the fine prescribed in the respective paragraphs.

Article 5The grant of approval under the proviso of Article 24-3, paragraph (2) and the proviso of Article 24-4, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Business Act as well as procedures and other acts necessary for such grant may be conducted prior to the enforcement of this Act.

Article 6Any dispositions, procedures or other acts conducted prior to the date of enforcement of this Act pursuant to the provisions of the Former Electricity Business Act or any order issued thereunder are, if the New Electricity Business Act or any order issued thereunder contains provisions corresponding to such provisions, deemed to have been conducted under the relevant provisions of the New Electricity Business Act or the order issued thereunder, except those otherwise provided by the Supplementary Provisions.

Article 38With regard to the application of penal provisions to any acts committed prior to the enforcement of this Act (or the respective provisions listed in Article 1, item (ii) and item (iii) of the Supplementary Provisions; hereinafter the same applies in this Article) as well as any acts committed after the enforcement of this Act if the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply pursuant to the Supplementary Provisions, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 39Beyond what is provided for in Article 2 to the preceding Article in the Supplementary Provisions, any necessary transitional measures for the enforcement of this Act are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 40When three years have elapsed since the enforcement of this Act (or the respective provisions listed in Article 1, item (iii) of the Supplementary Provisions; hereinafter the same applies in this Article), the government is to, while taking into account the status of enforcement of the provisions of this Act, review the provisions of this Act, and take any necessary measures based on the review if it is found necessary.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the date specified by Cabinet Order within a period not exceeding one year from the date of promulgation.

Article 50When five years have elapsed since the enforcement of this Act, the government is to review the status of enforcement of the new Act, and take measures as required based on the review results if it is found necessary.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the date specified by Cabinet Order within a period not exceeding five years from the date of promulgation (hereinafter referred to as the "Date of Enforcement").

Article 135With regard to the application of penal provisions to any acts committed prior to the enforcement of this Act as well as any acts committed after the enforcement of this Act if the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply or remain in force pursuant to the Supplementary Provisions, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 136Beyond what is provided for in the Supplementary Provisions, any necessary transitional measures for the enforcement of this Act are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 137When five years have elapsed since the enforcement of this Act, the government is to, while taking into account the status of implementation of respective provisions revised by this Act and changes in the socioeconomic circumstances, review the settlement system concerning stock trading, etc. as revised by this Act, and take measures as required based on the review results if it is found necessary.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of April 1, 2005; provided, however, that the provisions of Article 7 and Article 28 of the Supplementary Provisions come into effect as of the date of promulgation, and the provisions of Article 4, paragraphs (1) to (5) and paragraphs (9) to (11), Article 5, and Article 6 of the Supplementary Provisions come into effect as of October 1, 2004.

Article 26Any dispositions, procedures or other acts conducted, prior to the enforcement of this Act, pursuant to the provisions of the respective Acts prior to the revision (including orders issued thereunder; hereinafter the same applies in this Article) are, if the respective revised Acts contain provisions corresponding to such provisions, deemed to have been conducted under the relevant provisions of the respective revised Acts, except those otherwise provided by the Supplementary Provisions.

Article 27With regard to the application of penal provisions to any acts committed prior to the enforcement of this Act, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 28Beyond what is provided for in the Supplementary Provisions, any necessary transitional measures for the enforcement of this Act are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 29When five years have elapsed since the enforcement of this Act, the government is to, while taking into account the status of enforcement of the new Mine Safety Act, review the provisions of the new Mine Safety Act, and take any necessary measures based on the review results.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the date specified by Cabinet Order within a period not exceeding two years from the date of promulgation; provided, however, that the provisions listed in the following items come into effect as of the dates prescribed in the respective items:

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the day on which 20 days have elapsed from the date of promulgation.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the date specified by Cabinet Order within a period not exceeding one year from the date of promulgation.

Article 2An application for permission for change which was filed, prior to the date of enforcement of this Act (hereinafter referred to as the "Date of Enforcement"), pursuant to Article 8, paragraph (1) of the Electricity Business Act prior to the revision by Article 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "Former Electricity Business Act") and for which a disposition to grant or not to grant permission has not been made by the time of enforcement of this Act, is deemed to be an application for permission filed pursuant to Article 8, paragraph (1) of the Electricity Business Act after the revision by Article 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "New Electricity Business Act") if the relevant change does not fall within the category of minor changes specified by Ordinance of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry under the proviso of Article 8, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Business Act, or is deemed to be a notification of change given pursuant to paragraph (3) of said Article as of the Date of Enforcement if the relevant change falls within the category of minor changes specified by Ordinance of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry under the proviso of paragraph (1) of said Article.

Article 3If a person who has received, prior to the enforcement of this Act, designation under Article 93, paragraph (1) of the Former Electricity Business Act, such person is deemed to have received designation under Article 93, paragraph (1) of the New Electricity Business Act as of the Date of Enforcement.

Article 4Beyond what is provided for in the Supplementary Provisions, any necessary transitional measures for the enforcement of this Act are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 5When three years have elapsed since the enforcement of this Act, the government is to, while taking into account the status of enforcement of this Act, review the provisions of this Act, and take any necessary measures based on the review results if it is found necessary.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the date specified by Cabinet Order within a period not exceeding one month from the date of promulgation; provided, however, that the provisions of Article 2 (limited, however, to the provisions to revise Table of Contents of the River Act (limited, however, to the part revising "Article 15" to "Article 15-2"), the provisions to revise Article 15 of said Act, the provisions for revision in Chapter II, Section 1 of said Act to add an article following said Article, the provisions to revise Article 23 of said Act, the provisions for revision to add three articles following said Article, the provisions to revise Article 32 of said Act, the provisions to revise Article 33 (including the heading) of said Act, the provisions to revise Articles 34 to 36 and Article 38 of said Act, the provisions to revise Article 41 (including the heading) of said Act, the provisions to revise Article 75 of said Act (excluding the part adding ", tsunamis " following "floods" in paragraph (2), item (iii) of said Article), the provisions to revise Articles 76 to 79 and Article 87 of said Act, the provisions to revise Article 88 (including the heading) of said Act, the provisions to revise Articles 90 and 95 of said Act, the provisions to revise Articles 100-3, paragraph (1), item (i) of said Act (the part adding ", Article 15-2, paragraph (1)" following "Article 15" and the part revising "to Article 25" to "to Article 23-3, Article 24, Article 25")) and the provisions of Article 3, Article 7 (limited, however, the part revising item (i) (a) of the section concerning the River Act (Act No. 167 of 1964) of Appended Table I of the Local Autonomy Act (Act No. 67 of 1947) by adding ", Article 15-2, paragraph (1)" following "Article 15" and the part revising "to Article 25" to "to Article 23-3, Article 24, Article 25"), Article 8, Article 9 and Articles 11 to 14 of the Supplementary Provisions come into effect as of the date specified by Cabinet Order within a period not exceeding six months from the date of promulgation.

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the date of promulgation; provided, however, that the provisions listed in the following items come into effect as of the dates prescribed in the respective items:

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the date specified by Cabinet Order within a period not exceeding two years and six months from the date of promulgation; provided, however, that the provisions listed in the following items come into effect as of the dates prescribed in the respective items:

Article 2(1)General Electricity Utilities that has obtained a license under Article 3, paragraph (1) of the Electricity Business Act prior to the revision by this Act (hereinafter referred to as the "Former Act" in this paragraph and Article 7 and Article 8 of the Supplementary Provisions) prior to the enforcement of this Act must, by January 6, 2014, formulate Wheeling Service provisions prescribed in Article 24-3, paragraph (1) of the Electricity Business Act revised by this Act (hereinafter referred to as the "New Act") to set rates and other supply conditions for Cross-Area Wheeling Service with respect to electricity relating to Intra-Area Wheeling Service listed in Article 2, paragraph (1), item (xiv) of the New Act (excluding Intra-Area Wheeling Service listed in Article 2, paragraph (1), item (xiv) of the Former Act; hereinafter the same applies in this paragraph) and rates and other supply conditions for Intra-Area Wheeling Service listed in Article 2, paragraph (1), item (xiv) of the New Act, and notify the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of the rates and conditions pursuant to the provisions of Ordinance of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The same applies if the General Electric Utility intends to revise the provisions (limited, however, to cases where an order has been issued under Article 24-3, paragraph (3) of the New Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to the following paragraph).

(2)The provisions of Article 24-3, paragraph (3) of the New Act apply mutatis mutandis to Wheeling Service provisions for which notification was given pursuant to the preceding paragraph.

(3)General Electricity Utilities that have given notification pursuant to paragraph (1) must, pursuant to the provisions of Ordinance of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, publicize the Wheeling Service provisions for which notification was given pursuant to said paragraph.

(4)Wheeling Service provisions for which notification was given pursuant to paragraph (1) are to become effective on the date of enforcement of the provisions listed in item (iii) of the preceding Article.

(5)Wheeling Service provisions for which notification was given pursuant to paragraph (1) are deemed to be Wheeling Service provisions for which notification was given pursuant to Article 24-3, paragraph (1) of the New Act.

Article 3(1)A person who has violated an order issued under Article 24-3, paragraph (3) of the New Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to paragraph (2) of the preceding Article is punished by a fine of not more than three million yen.

(2)A person who falls under any of the following items is punished by a fine of not more than 300,000 yen:

(3)If the representative of a corporation or an agent, employee or other worker of a corporation or an individual has, with regard to the business of the corporation or individual, committed the violations prescribed in the preceding two paragraphs, not only is the offender punished but also the corporation or individual is punished by the fine prescribed in the respective paragraphs.

Article 4(1)A person who provides a Wholesale Supply prior to the enforcement of this Act is not required, for three months from the date of enforcement of this Act (hereinafter referred to as the "Date of Enforcement"), to give notification of necessary particulars notwithstanding the provisions of Article 28-2, paragraph (1) of the New Act.

(2)A person equipped with Electric Facilities for Private Use for electricity generation that are electrically connected directly, or indirectly through electric lines maintained and operated by any person other than a General Electric Utility, with electric lines maintained and operated by a General Electric Utility and satisfy the requirements specified by Ordinance of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry under Article 28-3, paragraph (1) of the New Act prior to the enforcement of this Act is not required, for three months from the Date of Enforcement, to give notification of necessary particulars set forth in said paragraph notwithstanding the provisions of said paragraph.

Article 5(1)Persons who intend to become the founders or members of the Promoting Organization (which means the organization promoting operations covering an extensive area prescribed in Article 28-4 of the New Act; hereinafter the same applies in this Article and Article 11, paragraph (2) and paragraph (5), item (iv) of the Supplementary Provisions) may, prior to the Date of Enforcement, conduct any necessary acts for the establishment of the Promoting Organization including the preparation of the articles of incorporation and holding of an organizational meeting, any necessary acts for the entry into the Promoting Organization, and any necessary acts for the operation of the business in the fiscal year which includes the date of establishment of the Promoting Organization, pursuant to the provisions of Part II, Chapter II, Section 3 of the New Act (excluding Article 28-14 and Article 28-15).

(2)The founders of the Promoting Organization may, prior to the Date of Enforcement, apply for approval for establishment of the Promoting Organization and obtain an approval from the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, pursuant to the provisions of Article 28-14 and Article 28-15 of the New Act. In such case, such approval is to become effective as of the Date of Enforcement.

Article 6The provisions of Article 28-7, paragraph (2) of the New Act do not apply, for six months after the enforcement of this Act, to any person who uses the words "organization promoting operations covering an extensive area" in its name prior to the enforcement of this Act.

Article 7With regard to the obligation of a person who was an officer or employee of an Organization to Support Electricity Transmission and Distribution, etc. that the person must not disclose to another person or misappropriate any confidential information learned during the course of duties as prescribed in Article 93, paragraph (1) of the Former Act which was applicable prior to the enforcement of this Act, the provisions then in force, after the enforcement of this Act, remain applicable.

Article 8Any dispositions, procedures or other acts conducted pursuant to the provisions of the Former Act or any order issued thereunder are, if the New Act or any order issued thereunder contains provisions corresponding to such provisions, deemed to have been conducted under the relevant provisions of the New Act or the order issued thereunder, except those otherwise provided by the Supplementary Provisions.

Article 9With regard to the application of penal provisions to any acts committed prior to the enforcement of this Act (with regard to the provisions listed in Article 1, item (ii) and item (iii) of the Supplementary Provisions, such provisions; hereinafter the same applies in this Article) as well as any acts committed after the enforcement of this Act if the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply pursuant to the provisions of the Supplementary Provisions of this Act, the provisions in force at the time in question continue to apply.

Article 10Beyond what is provided for in Article 2 to the preceding Article in the Supplementary Provisions, any necessary transitional measures for the enforcement of this Act (including transitional measures concerning penal provisions) are specified by Cabinet Order.

Article 11(1)The government is to, for the purpose of the securement of stable supply of electricity, the maximum control of electricity retail prices and the expansion of opportunities of choices for electricity users as well as the expansion of business opportunities for Electricity Business, ensure the smooth enforcement of this Act and continue to implement fundamental changes in the system concerning Electricity Business in stages based on the following policies:

(2)Fundamental changes in the system concerning Electricity Business under the preceding paragraph are to be implemented on the premise of implementing the Measures to Ensure Neutrality by way of legal separation (which means measures prohibiting a person from conducting both of the Services for Electricity Transmission and Distribution, etc. and the electricity retail business, or from conducting both of the Services for Electricity Transmission and Distribution, etc. and the electricity wholesale business; hereinafter the same applies in this paragraph and the following paragraph); provided, however, that if new challenges that make it difficult to implement legal separation have been created during the course of consideration of implementation of legal separation, implementing Measures to Ensure Neutrality by way of functional dissociation is to be considered (which means the situation where the Promoting Organization bears a part of the function relating to the Services for Electricity Transmission and Distribution, etc.) when needed.

(3)The government is to, when implementing Measures to Ensure Neutrality by way of legal separation, take the following measures. In such a case, measures listed in item (ii) are to be taken based on developments in the financial markets:

(4)If full liberalization of the electricity retail price during the period from 2018 to 2020 is implemented, the timing of said implementation is to be reviewed only if it appears that if it is implemented during such period it would harm the interest of electricity users due to absence of the securement of fair competition among persons who conduct electricity retail business, or any other reason.

(5)The government is to, upon submitting bills prescribed in paragraph (1), items (i) and (ii) to the Diet, review the following measures, and take necessary measures based on the review results:

(6)The government is to further strengthen supervisory functionality with regard to Electricity Business, as well as review a desirable structure for administrative organizations in charge of regulations of Electricity Business in order to take all possible measures to ensure the stable supply of electricity, and transfer such organizations into new administrative organizations with independence and a high level of expertise in 2015.