The government released a list of goods Wednesday, including local premium-added gift certificates, that will be exchangeable with Eco-points awarded for purchases of energy-efficient electronic products.
While one Eco-point is counted as ¥1 in principle, the list on the official Eco-point Web site shows 1,000 points can be exchanged for a ¥1,100 prepaid card for participating shops in Shihoro, Hokkaido, and 5,000 points for a ¥5,500 certificate for certain stores in Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture.
In contrast, one Eco-point is worth less than ¥1 for some e-money services. For example, 13,500 Eco-points can be exchanged for having ¥12,000 applied to a JR East Suica card.
The principle of ¥1 for each Eco-point applies to common gift certificates for department stores nationwide.
The list can be viewed at eco-points.jp.
The government will also make the list available at post offices and electronics shops. Applications to register and apply for Eco-points will be accepted starting July 1.
Eco-points are given to consumers who purchase air conditioners, refrigerators and digital terrestrial TVs with four-star or higher energy-efficiency ratings until March 31.