Spreading the message of Earth Hour 2026

In 2026, with the message "Green Innovation - Green Future," Earth Hour emphasizes the need to shift from awareness to action, from short-term solutions to fundamental, sustainable changes. This is not just about saving electricity, but also about innovating production and consumption methods, applying green technologies, and forming an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Thanh Hoa Power Company checks the system load.

Thanh Hoa is one of the provinces with the highest electricity consumption in Northern Vietnam, with electricity demand projected to grow by 10% or more annually in the coming years. Therefore, electricity conservation is no longer just a recommendation but has become an urgent requirement. Especially during the hot season, pressure on the power system increases, posing a risk of localized overload if the whole society does not cooperate.

In reality, the summer of 2025 saw several prolonged extreme heatwaves, with temperatures in many urban and mountainous areas exceeding 39-40°C. The demand for air conditioners and cooling devices surged, causing household electricity consumption to continuously reach new peaks. Through various communication channels and direct contact, the electricity sector advised people to adjust their electricity usage habits, prioritize energy-saving devices, and limit electricity use during peak hours. Thanh Hoa Power Company also continued to implement the Demand Side Management (DSM/DR) program with active participation from 253 large local customers, effectively shifting production times to off-peak hours.

According to Hoang Hai, Director of Thanh Hoa Power Company: "The proactive adjustment of load by businesses helps reduce system pressure, limit local overloads, stabilize frequency and voltage, and avoid having to mobilize high-cost power sources. In addition, it reduces dependence on high-cost power sources, especially in the context of increased electricity demand during the hot season or other special times. Most importantly, the cooperation of businesses in load adjustment also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for efficient energy use and sustainable development."

Besides systemic solutions, changing electricity usage habits in individual households has been identified as a key factor. According to the Center for Industry and Trade Promotion, one simple but effective solution is to replace incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs with LED lights. These lights can save up to 80% of electricity and have a lifespan 5-10 times longer than traditional lights, significantly reducing electricity and maintenance costs.

To spread the message of energy conservation and efficiency, Thanh Hoa is one of the pioneering localities in responding to the Earth Hour campaign, contributing to positive changes in people's awareness and actions regarding environmental protection. In recent years, many agencies, organizations, and businesses in the province have proactively switched off all electricity or turned off unnecessary equipment during the event, thereby joining hands to strongly spread the message of electricity saving in the community.

According to the Department of Industry and Trade, the highlight of the 2026 campaign is not just a symbolic call to turn off lights, but aims at the long-term goal of forming a habit of using energy efficiently and effectively throughout society. The activities in response are designed to be diverse, practical, and encourage the active participation of citizens and businesses.

According to the plan, the Earth Hour 2026 event will take place from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM on Saturday, March 28th. During this time, agencies, units, businesses, and households in the province are encouraged to voluntarily switch off unnecessary electrical appliances, thereby demonstrating responsibility towards the environment and contributing to spreading a sustainable and economical lifestyle in the community. The Provincial People's Committee has also assigned specific tasks to departments, agencies, the People's Committees of communes and wards, and Thanh Hoa Power Company to organize and implement activities in response to the event, ensuring practicality and effectiveness. Notably, in addition to the lights-off activity, Thanh Hoa province also encourages people to participate in the online running event in response to the Earth Hour 2026 campaign, which will be held from March 7th to March 31st, 2026, on the 84RACE platform. This activity not only contributes to spreading the message of energy conservation but is also linked to building an active, healthy, and modern lifestyle.

Text and photos: Bach Nguyen

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/lan-toa-thong-diep-gio-trai-dat-2026-282169.htm