Successive heatwaves have shattered electricity consumption records in the capital, yet the Hanoi Power Corporation (EVNHANOI) has not only avoided rolling blackouts but has also proactively postponed all scheduled power outage plans until June 1, 2026. The national power system remains stable, although the period from this evening to tonight continues to pose major challenges.

False rumours of power cuts spread online

In the final days of May 2026, intense heat blanketed Hanoi, with temperatures at many points exceeding 40 degree C, levels described by meteorological authorities as “the highest in more than a decade.” Across social media, numerous posts regarding alleged power outage schedules in Ba Dinh, Ha Dong, Tu Liem, Gia Lam, Thanh Tri, Dong Anh, Thuong Tin, Soc Son and Son Tay spread rapidly, causing concern and anxiety among residents and businesses.

EVNHANOI promptly responded and firmly affirmed that on May 27, 2026, it would not carry out any planned power interruptions across the city. The corporation stressed that information circulating on social media regarding power cuts was inaccurate.

 Power demand records repeatedly broken, system remains resilient

The decision to suspend planned outages was made amid unprecedented pressure on electricity demand. According to operational data, Hanoi’s electricity consumption has continuously increased and broken all previous records day after day.

Specifically, electricity consumption rose from 94.4 million kWh on May 20 to 97.4 million kWh on May 21; surpassed 101.9 million kWh on May 22 and reached approximately 106.1 million kWh on May 23; climbed to 109.9 million kWh on May 24 before surging to 125.873 million kWh on May 25, and on May 26 continued to set a new peak at 131.76 million kWh.

Chart: Hanoi peak load capacity through the years (MW)

★ New record on May 26, 2026: 6,290 MW, nearly 5% higher than the 2025 peak of 5,992 MW.

Table 1: Hanoi load history and electricity supply situation

Notably, despite consecutive record highs in both peak capacity and electricity consumption, the capital’s power system has not experienced any widespread or prolonged outages. Several localised incidents caused by grid overloads were resolved as quickly as possible by Hanoi’s electricity units. This has been attributed to round-the-clock duty operations, inspections of critical equipment and comprehensive preparations of personnel and vehicles ahead of the summer heat season.

Not only Hanoi, the entire country remains stable amid surging demand

In an interview with the Newspaper of Industry and Trade, leaders of the National System and Market Operator Company Limited (NSMO) stated that Hanoi was not an exception. The late-May 2026 heatwave spread across the northern and north-central regions, pushing nationwide electricity demand into unprecedented territory. According to NSMO statistics, by May 25, national electricity demand had reached a new peak of 57,120 MW, an increase of 13.5% year-on-year.

Table 2: National and Hanoi electricity demand during the May 2026 heatwave

In implementing Directive No. 10/CT-TTg dated March 30, 2026 by the Prime Minister on strengthening electricity conservation and developing rooftop solar power, NSMO has coordinated with relevant units to maximise mobilisation of all available power sources, including high-cost oil-fired generation using DO and FO fuels, in order to ensure sufficient available capacity during peak hours. At the same time, the “dual objective” strategy of ensuring power supply while conserving water at hydropower reservoirs has been strictly enforced, particularly as the risk of a “Super El Nino” from July onwards is forecast at around 80%.

This evening and tonight: Major challenges, electricity sector exerts maximum efforts

The current stability does not mean pressure has eased. NSMO representatives warned that the period from  evening to tonight (May 27) would remain extremely difficult and challenging for the operation of the national power system.

A concerning trend during the summer of 2026 is that peak electricity demand is increasingly shifting to evening hours from 8pm to 11pm, in some cases exceeding daytime peaks. This places unusual pressure on transmission and distribution systems as demand for air conditioning, lighting and household consumption simultaneously surges within a short period.

In response, NSMO and electricity units have pledged to make the highest possible efforts to ensure electricity supply under all circumstances. However, representatives of the electricity sector also called on residents and businesses to cooperate by switching off unnecessary electrical devices, setting air conditioners at no lower than 26°C and limiting the simultaneous use of multiple high-capacity appliances, particularly during the peak periods of 1pm - 4pm and 8pm - 11pm.

Power supply in the capital amid extreme heat: Resilience put to the test

During some of the harshest summer days in more than a decade, with temperatures reaching 40°C and electricity demand breaking records daily, Hanoi’s electricity sector has demonstrated its operational resilience through concrete actions: avoiding rolling blackouts and suspending planned outages in order to ensure normal living conditions for residents. This was not a matter of luck, but the result of thorough preparation, continuous operations and a strong sense of responsibility. Challenges remain ahead, but Vietnam’s electricity sector has affirmed that regardless of how many records are broken, the power supply for the capital and the country as a whole will continue to be maintained.