Prolonged heatwaves have pushed electricity demand to consecutive record highs, placing significant pressure on the national power system. In response, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is simultaneously deploying a range of operational, energy-saving, and communication measures to ensure a safe and reliable electricity supply for the economy.

Electricity demand reaches successive record highs

On May 2026, intense heat has engulfed many parts of the country, particularly northern Vietnam, where persistently high temperatures have caused a sharp surge in electricity consumption, placing substantial strain on the operation of the national power system.

According to a report presented by the Ministry of Industry and Trade at a meeting with the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilisation Commission on May 26, both domestic and international meteorological agencies have warned that 2026 may face significant climate anomalies, with an estimated 80% probability of a “super El Nino” developing from July onward. This phenomenon could trigger prolonged heatwaves, drought conditions, and reduced water inflows into hydropower reservoirs.

Beyond its impact on daily life, extreme weather is placing unprecedented pressure on the power system. Since early April, particularly during the heatwaves from May 13 - 15 and May 23 - 27, nationwide electricity demand has repeatedly set new records.

Data from the National Power System and Market Operator Company (NSMO) show that as of May 25, peak nationwide electricity demand had reached 57,120 MW, up 13.5% compared to the same period in 2025, while daily electricity consumption rose to 1.171 billion kWh, an increase of 11.8%. In northern Vietnam alone, peak demand climbed to 29,667 MW up as much as 26.2% year-on-year while electricity consumption reached 603 million kWh, marking a 20.2% increase.

Notably, peak electricity demand is no longer concentrated during daytime hours but has shifted significantly to the evening period between 8:00 p.m and 11:00 p.m This is now the most critical period for the power system, as solar generation is unavailable, while many small hydropower reservoirs face water shortages, limiting generation capacity.

Against the backdrop of accelerating economic growth, with the country targeting double-digit GDP expansion, electricity demand is expected to rise even further. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, if GDP growth exceeds 10%, electricity demand is likely to increase at a comparable or even higher rate, intensifying pressure on power generation, transmission infrastructure, and system dispatch operations.

Synchronized solutions to ensure power system safety

In response to mounting demand pressure, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has directed NSMO and power sector entities to implement a comprehensive set of measures aimed at ensuring a safe and stable electricity supply during the peak summer season.

These efforts include improving the availability and reliability of transmission and distribution systems, particularly projects serving northern Vietnam, such as increasing the capacity of the AT1 transformer station in Hoa Binh, and commissioning the AT1 500kV Pho Noi transformer and the AT7 220kV Ha Dong transformer.

For hydropower, reservoir operations are being managed flexibly, prioritizing water storage while maximizing electricity generation during peak evening hours. NSMO has also instructed small hydropower plants in the North to adjust generation schedules to better support the system during high-demand periods. To date, all 301 plants, with a combined capacity of approximately 3,000 MW, have complied with this directive.

Coal-fired power plants are operating at maximum available capacity to strengthen system reserves. Generation units have been instructed to expedite repairs and increase available output to meet surging demand during evening peak periods.

Meanwhile, gas-fired and oil-fired power sources are being dispatched flexibly. NSMO is working with PV GAS to optimize gas supply, while coordinating fuel switching between domestic gas, LNG, and diesel oil (DO) to ensure power generation capability and reduce system costs. Several high-cost oil-fired plants, including O Mon I, Thu Duc, and Can Tho, have also been mobilized to safeguard supply security.

To better align with summer demand patterns, NSMO has proposed implementing revised peak, off-peak, and standard time-of-use pricing periods as early as June 2026, particularly targeting demand management during the critical window from 5:30 p.m to 10:30 p.m

However, many energy experts note that amid rapidly growing electricity demand, technical solutions alone will not be sufficient to ease pressure on the power system without active cooperation from both households and businesses in using electricity more efficiently and responsibly.

Energy conservation as a long-term strategic solution

According to Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, recent severe heatwaves, coupled with rising industrial production, have placed enormous pressure on the electricity system. Therefore, alongside efforts by the power sector to secure sufficient electricity for socio-economic development, the Ministry hopes that households and production facilities will actively support energy-saving and efficient electricity use.

In addition to measures already outlined in Directive No. 09 issued by the Prime Minister, the Ministry has proposed an additional solution: shifting electricity usage away from peak hours. This measure is intended to support production activities while easing pressure on the power system during periods of highest demand.

According to Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, government agencies, ministries, and public institutions should take the lead by adjusting their operating schedules appropriately. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has called on not only businesses but also state agencies and major electricity users to review and adjust their operating hours in line with actual demand conditions.

The Ministry has assigned its units to work closely with local authorities, while also requesting provincial governments to coordinate with businesses and production facilities to develop electricity usage adjustment plans, limiting demand during peak periods. For industrial producers, this may involve rebalancing production schedules to reduce electricity consumption during critical hours.

In parallel, a comprehensive review of the entire power system from infrastructure to transmission and distribution networks is being carried out. Any components at risk of failure will be repaired and remedied promptly to ensure stable operation throughout the peak summer period.