On April 21, 2025, a significant conference took place in Vietnam, focusing on the pressing issue of electricity supply amid rising temperatures and increasing demand. Organized by Báo Tiền Phong in collaboration with the Electric Power Group (EVN), the event aimed to address the challenges and solutions related to electricity provision during the hot season. As the country enters a heatwave, particularly in the southern regions where temperatures have soared to between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius, the need for effective electricity management has become crucial.
Phùng Công Sưởng, the Editor-in-Chief of Báo Tiền Phong and head of the organizing committee, emphasized the urgency of discussing how to meet electricity needs for economic and social development during peak summer months. "Today we gather to discuss a critical issue not only for the electricity sector but for the entire nation and every citizen and business," he stated.
Recent forecasts from meteorological agencies indicate that the southern region has experienced a significant temperature rise since early April, leading to a spike in electricity demand, particularly for cooling and household use. The conference provided a platform for various stakeholders, including government agencies, electricity companies, experts, and consumers, to explore effective measures and policies for ensuring a stable electricity supply.
Võ Quang Lâm, Deputy General Director of EVN, highlighted the challenges posed by the current heatwave, noting that many areas have recorded temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius. This increase in temperature has led to a dramatic rise in electricity consumption, which places considerable pressure on the national electricity system, from generation to distribution.
At the conference, Lâm remarked, "The pressure on the national electricity system is significant, especially during peak hours, and we must work together to ensure a reliable supply." He pointed out that EVN has actively developed operational scenarios to handle varying load growth and is expediting the completion of investment projects to meet the electricity demands of the dry season in 2025.
The projected demand for electricity in 2025 is expected to grow by 12.2% throughout the year, with total production estimated at 347.509 billion kWh and a maximum capacity of 54,510 MW. The government has been proactive, issuing directives aimed at ensuring electricity supply for critical events and economic activities in the coming months.
Nguyễn Thế Hữu, Deputy Director of the Electricity Regulatory Authority, emphasized the importance of timely electricity provision in light of expected economic growth. He noted, "The government has set ambitious growth targets, aiming for approximately 8% in 2025 and double-digit growth in subsequent years, which presents challenges for the electricity sector. We must ensure that electricity supply meets the rising demand from both households and industries."
As the conference progressed, discussions also focused on the role of load shifting as a strategy to alleviate pressure on the electricity system during peak hours. Bùi Quốc Hoan, Deputy General Director of the Southern Power Corporation, explained that shifting load can prevent the need for extensive investments in new power plants. "If the southern region can effectively shift about 500 MW of load from peak hours to off-peak hours, it would be equivalent to avoiding investment in a large-capacity thermal power plant, saving billions of dollars," he noted.
In addition to load shifting, the conference addressed the importance of energy conservation and the adoption of renewable energy sources. The EVN is currently implementing ten power source projects, including the Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power project, aimed at enhancing the overall electricity supply capacity.
During the first four months of 2025, the total electricity supplied to Ho Chi Minh City reached 9.6 billion kWh, a slight decrease of 1.43% compared to the same period in 2024. However, the maximum capacity recorded a marginal increase of 0.39%, reaching 9,419 MW. The city's electricity consumption has surged, particularly during March, when average daily usage increased by 16.32% compared to February, resulting in nearly 87 million kWh per day.
Bùi Trung Kiên, Deputy General Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Power Company, shared insights into the city’s electricity supply challenges. He stated, "In April 2025, household electricity consumption reached 42.64 million kWh, marking an increase of over 20% compared to March. As the temperature rises, we expect commercial electricity output in Ho Chi Minh City to reach approximately 32.15 billion kWh in 2025, reflecting a growth of 12.4% from 2024."
To combat the rising electricity demand, the Ho Chi Minh City Power Company is actively promoting energy-saving practices and the installation of solar panels in industrial parks and businesses. Kiên highlighted the importance of these initiatives, stating, "Our goal is to reduce the strain on the electricity system during peak hours and optimize the load profile to manage demand effectively."
The conference also addressed the reliability of electricity supply in Ho Chi Minh City, which remains high. In the first four months of 2025, customers experienced an average of only 0.08 power outages, with the duration of outages being less than seven minutes.
As Vietnam continues to face challenges related to electricity supply, especially during the hot season, the discussions at the conference underscored the need for collaboration among government agencies, electricity providers, and consumers. The solutions proposed, including load shifting, energy conservation, and the integration of renewable energy, are essential for ensuring a stable and sustainable electricity supply for the country.
In conclusion, as Vietnam prepares for a summer marked by increased temperatures and electricity demand, the collective efforts of all stakeholders will be crucial in overcoming the challenges ahead. With proactive measures in place, the nation aims to secure a reliable electricity supply that supports both economic growth and the well-being of its citizens.
