Ensuring electricity supply
At the Ministry’s regular press conference for Q1 2026, responding to media questions on rising demand and related issues, Mr. Nguyen The Huu – Deputy Director of the Electricity Authority under the Ministry of Industry and Trade – stated that heatwaves began appearing in Northern Vietnam in late March, with peak periods expected from late April through May, June, and July.
Mr. Nguyen The Huu, Deputy Director of Electricity Authority. Photo: Can Dung
Regarding power mobilization, he noted that as early as the end of 2025, the Ministry had approved the 2026 electricity supply plan, with a baseline growth scenario of around 8.5% and an extreme scenario for the dry season reaching up to 14.1%. So far, accumulated demand growth has exceeded 6%, still within the projected plan.
Synchronized solutions for generation and grid
According to Mr. Nguyen The Huu, the Ministry has implemented numerous measures to direct and urge power generation, transmission, distribution, and system operation units to ensure electricity supply.
First, most large hydropower reservoirs - especially in Northern Vietnam - are currently maintaining high water levels in preparation for the peak dry season. This also explains why the share of hydropower in the current generation mix is relatively low; it is expected to increase again during the flood season. However, hydropower output still depends on annual water inflows and may fluctuate accordingly.
Second, regarding fuel supply, in early April, PV GAS announced an increase in its regasification capacity from over 7 million cubic meters per day to 9.5 million cubic meters per day. This directly enhances the flexibility of gas-fired power generation in the Southeast region, helping meet electricity demand in the South, particularly during evening peak hours when solar generation is no longer available.
Overview of press conference. Photo: Can Dung
The leadership of the Electricity Authority further informed that at 00:00 on April 7, the Vung Ang II Thermal Power Plant completed all technical testing procedures and officially commenced commercial operation, adding approximately 1,300MW to the system.
Regarding the grid, the National Power Transmission Corporation has upgraded, replaced, and increased the capacity of several 500kV substations, including Pho Noi, Lai Chau, and Hoa Binh. At the same time, by May 15, according to the plan, around 18 shunt capacitor banks are expected to be commissioned to enhance system stability, improve transmission capacity, and ensure electricity supply for the Northern region.
On the demand side, according to Mr. Nguyen The Huu, alongside proactive measures in generation, fuel supply, and grid infrastructure, power companies have also actively implemented solutions. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is currently collecting opinions on adjusting peak-hour time frames in the electricity tariff structure.
| The Ministry also called on media agencies to strengthen communication efforts to encourage households, businesses, and organizations to effectively implement the Prime Minister’s directives on electricity saving. At the same time, it promotes shifting electricity usage from peak hours to off-peak hours, in line with recommendations from authorities and Vietnam Electricity, thereby contributing significantly to ensuring a stable power supply. |
Translator: Vân Ly
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