Conference on reviewing 2025 performance and deploying key tasks for 2026 of Steering Committee for Power Development of Lai Chau Province, held on the afternoon of January 10 in Lai Chau Province.

In 2025, total power sales across the province reached 275.67 million kWh, an increase of 2.9% compared to the previous year; peak load reached 73.5MW, up 17.2%. The Steering Committee, in coordination with EVN, directed the safe and flexible operation of the power system, meeting local electricity demand while facilitating the evacuation of generation capacity to the 220–500kV transmission grid, thereby minimizing the risk of localized overloads.

Three major hydropower plants invested in and operated by EVN—Lai Chau Hydropower Plant (1,200MW), Huoi Quang Hydropower Plant (520MW), and Ban Chat Hydropower Plant (220MW)—supply an average of approximately 21 billion kWh annually to the national power system. At the same time, they contribute over VND 1 trillion each year to the provincial budget, becoming a key pillar in local socio-economic development.

Alongside existing facilities, the Steering Committee worked with EVN to promote investment preparation for hydropower expansion projects under the revised Power Development Plan VIII, including the expansion of Lai Chau, Huoi Quang, and Ban Chat hydropower plants, with a total planned capacity of 770MW. EVN is currently conducting surveys and preparing project documentation, with construction expected to commence from the end of 2026. These projects will create additional room for power supply expansion and enhance the efficient utilization of water resources in the coming period.

In the power grid sector, 2025 saw many positive outcomes. Projects to increase the capacity of the 500kV Lai Chau substation and the 220kV Than Uyen and 220kV Muong Te substations were completed, significantly improving the ability to evacuate generation capacity.

Regarding rural, remote, and mountainous electrification, by the end of 2025, 100% of communes in the province had access to the national power grid; 99.3% of villages and 97.1% of households were electrified.

EVN Vice President Pham Hong Phuong (standing) delivering closing remarks at the conference

In his closing remarks, representing the project owner, EVN Vice President Pham Hong Phuong affirmed that Lai Chau plays a particularly important role in the national power system and is likened to the country’s “clean battery.” With a medium- and long-term vision to fully leverage the province’s potential and advantages, EVN will focus on developing key 500kV backbone transmission lines to evacuate generation capacity, while also investing in the expansion of existing hydropower plants to enhance system regulation capability.

Vice Chairman of Lai Chau Provincial People’s Committee Giang A Tinh – Head of Steering Committee (standing) delivering closing remarks

Notably, total provincial budget revenue in 2025 reached approximately VND 3.5 trillion (including grants), one of the highest levels ever recorded. The provincial power sector alone contributed about VND 1.4 trillion, while small hydropower plants in the province contributed over VND 790 billion. Accordingly, total budget revenue contributed by EVN-affiliated entities accounted for more than 65% of the province’s total budget revenue—exceeding the initial estimate by over 10%. This source of revenue has enabled the province to reinvest in disadvantaged communes, improve infrastructure, and enhance the living standards of local residents.

Translator: Vân Ly