Spending time outdoors is a popular way for many people to reduce electricity consumption.

Many good methods

It was only around 8 a.m., but the sun in Hue was already stifling, radiating heat down the streets. In her small house in Vy Da ward, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hong maintained the habit of drawing the curtains during the day to block the sunlight and reduce the heat inside the house. “Last month, the weather was so hot that my family used over 2 million dong worth of electricity, so this month I have to change to reduce electricity consumption. During the day, I draw the curtains to block the harsh sun. At noon, I turn on the air conditioner to about 25-26 degrees and use a fan as well. In the evening, when it's cooler, I open the windows to let in the natural breeze,” Mrs. Hong shared.

Ms. Hong recounted that in the past, her family used to run the air conditioner almost continuously during peak hot days. After adjusting their usage habits, electricity consumption has decreased somewhat. During periods that aren't too hot, the whole family prioritizes using fans instead of relying entirely on the air conditioner.

Similar to Mrs. Hong's family, many households in the city are also starting to pay more attention to using electricity efficiently during the hot season. Mr. Nguyen Minh Son, from Thuan Hoa ward, said that his family recently replaced all their old fluorescent light bulbs with energy-saving LED lights, and also used additional power outlets with separate switches to limit the number of electrical devices running in the background. Besides using energy-saving devices, he also reminded his family to change their electricity usage habits.

Cooling living spaces is considered an effective way for many families to reduce electricity consumption. In An Cuu ward, Ms. Pham Thi Thu Hang utilizes her front yard to plant more greenery and climbing plants to reduce the heat radiating into her house. Potted plants arranged along the porch and balcony help to make the space cooler on days when temperatures rise. "With more greenery, the house is much cooler. We don't have to turn on the air conditioner as often during the day. In the afternoon, the whole family usually opens the doors to let the breeze in instead of keeping the rooms closed," Ms. Hang said.

Besides implementing measures to reduce electricity consumption at home, many families are also choosing to go out in the evenings to enjoy the cool, natural air. Recently, the grassy areas along both banks of the Perfume River have become a popular destination for many people after dinner. Many families bring mats and drinks, then sit and enjoy the breeze, chat, or let their children play. According to locals, going to the riverbank in the evening not only helps them relax after a hot day but also reduces the time spent using air conditioners and fans at home.

Enhance electricity saving

Many businesses and production units are also implementing electricity saving measures or finding ways to reduce costs. Mr. Nguyen Dac Minh Nhan, the owner of a homestay in Thuan Hoa ward, said he has proactively invested in and used energy-saving labeled equipment. "I regularly remind my staff to turn off electrical devices in the rooms after cleaning and when not in use. Here, we have also invested in replacing old equipment with high-efficiency equipment, as well as installing solar panels to reduce the homestay's electricity costs," Mr. Nhan said.

According to information from Hue Power Company (PC), in the first four months of the year, electricity demand in the city continued to increase significantly, with commercial electricity consumption reaching 728.5 million kWh, an increase of 8.67% compared to the same period last year. Notably, residential electricity demand increased by nearly 11.2%, and commercial electricity demand increased by 11.5% compared to the same period last year, reflecting a strong increase in electricity consumption for both residents and businesses. The city's peak power reached 405.9 MW on April 14, 2026, an increase of 5.27% compared to the same period last year, exceeding the peak power of 2025 (402.4 MW on June 3, 2025). This indicates that electricity supply will be very difficult during the 2026 dry season.

In anticipation of increased electricity demand ahead of the 2026 dry season, Hue Power Company (PC Hue) has implemented comprehensive solutions to ensure a safe, continuous, and reliable electricity supply to serve socio-economic development and the lives of the people. In addition, the company has proactively and seriously implemented electricity saving measures. According to statistics, electricity savings in the first four months of the year reached 33.77 million kWh, representing a saving rate of 4.64% of total commercial electricity output. In particular, April alone achieved a saving rate of over 10% thanks to decisive measures and effective coordination among electricity consumption groups.

"Overall, the awareness and responsibility of people and businesses regarding electricity saving have significantly improved, given the complex fluctuations in world fuel prices and the strong actions of the Government and the Ministry of Industry and Trade in implementing electricity saving and green growth," said Mr. Nguyen Dai Phuc, Director of PC Hue.

The Hue Power Company recommends that residents, agencies, and businesses save electricity by turning off appliances when not in use, setting air conditioners to 26 degrees Celsius or higher, prioritizing energy-efficient appliances, limiting electricity use during peak hours, and encouraging the installation of rooftop solar power. Government agencies and offices should utilize natural light and reduce unnecessary lighting; businesses should proactively adjust production plans and replace equipment with high-efficiency models to use electricity more effectively.

Text and photos: DANG TRINH

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/kinh-te/ha-nhiet-hoa-don-tien-dien-165885.html