Full Breakdown
Vietnam Faces Record Power Demand as Heatwave Stresses Grid
6/25/2026, 2:33:23 PM
Record-Breaking Power Demand Amid Heatwave
On June 24, 2026, Vietnam’s grid hit 58,456 MW at 1:50 p.m., a new record 350 MW above the previous high. The spike, driven by temperatures forecast above 40 °C, led EVN to urge firms and households to conserve electricity on June 25.
Background & Context
Vietnam targets double-digit growth, pushing electricity use higher; daily consumption now exceeds one billion kWh. Heatwaves and potential El Niño threaten hydropower, while the system remains dependent on coal and gas.
Data & Statistics
Peak load: 58,456 MW (June 24), 13.5 % above 2025. Northern peak: 29,970 MW, matching May 27 record. Daily use >1 billion kWh. EVN says 4,000–5,000 MW of new capacity needed each year.
Why It Matters
The record demand underscores Vietnam’s vulnerability to climate-driven peaks and highlights the urgency of diversifying its energy mix. Persistent shortages could raise electricity prices, strain industrial output, and hinder the country’s growth targets.
Official Statements & Responses
EVN asked consumers to keep ACs at 26 °C or higher, use natural light, shift non-essential loads, and noted increased imports and full-capacity plant operation. The Ministry of Industry and Trade announced new energy-efficiency standards, regulatory reforms and an upcoming energy-efficiency fund. Deputy Director Dang Hai Dung warned demand will keep rising; Deputy CEO Ngo Son Hai highlighted fuel-market volatility and supply risks. EVN said efficient use also lowers consumer bills.
Challenges & Risks
Volatile coal and gas supplies, possible El Niño-driven hydropower cuts, and intermittent wind and solar increase grid complexity. Permitting and construction delays can postpone new capacity, raising reliance on imports. The growing share of wind and solar makes forecasting generation more difficult, requiring advanced grid-management tools.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts argue that short-term saving measures cannot offset Vietnam’s structural reliance on imported fossil fuels, urging faster renewable integration, stricter efficiency enforcement, and adoption of digital grid technologies to reduce demand growth.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source cites the prior record as May 26, another as May 27, though both agree the new peak is higher. No data confirm import volumes or fuel-contract details.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Using electricity efficiently and effectively not only helps reduce electricity costs but also eases pressure on the national power grid,” — EVN
- “This demonstrates the significant economic value of using electricity efficiently,” — Hai
- “• Vietnam is increasing electricity imports while operating its power plants at full capacity to ensure supplies are sufficient, EVN said.” — EVN
- “The company urged households and businesses to use electricity efficiently by switching off unnecessary appliances, setting air conditioners at 26 degrees Celsius or higher, and shifting non-essential power consumption to off-peak hours to ease pressure on the grid and reduce energy costs.” — NSMO
What’s Next
The energy-efficiency fund will launch later this year. EVN will keep monitoring loads as the heatwave continues, while policymakers discuss additional capacity, fuel diversification and renewable expansion. The fund will target high-energy-use industries and support smart-meter rollout. EVN plans to assess import needs weekly, and the Ministry evaluates additional coal, gas and renewable projects to meet projected demand through 2030.
