Northern Vietnam experiences scorching heat, with electricity consumption continuously breaking records.

TPO - According to information from the National Power System Operation and Electricity Market Company (NSMO), the intense heatwave currently affecting the North has caused a surge in electricity demand, pushing the system's load to continuously set new records. It is predicted that on May 26th, the peak power of the national electricity system could reach 55,519 MW.

Load continues to set records.

NSMO reported that in just a few days of intense heat, the power system continuously recorded unprecedented consumption levels. Starting on May 24th, the national peak power reached 48,729 MW at 9:50 PM, while the total electricity consumption nationwide reached 1.044 billion kWh.

Notably, the peak power demand in the North increased to 26,595 MW at 10:15 PM, even though it was a Sunday, a time when demand is typically much lower than on a normal weekday. This consumption exceeded the record set on May 15th by 176 MW and is the highest level since the beginning of 2026.

On May 25th, electricity demand continued to surge under the influence of high temperatures. In the North alone, a new record was set with 27,955 MW, a 5.8% increase compared to the peak recorded in mid-May.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, a severe to extremely severe heatwave is currently covering many areas of Northern and Central Vietnam, with temperatures commonly ranging from 36-40 degrees Celsius, and exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in some places. In the Northern Delta region, temperatures are generally between 37-39 degrees Celsius. This heatwave is expected to last until around May 27-28.



Electricity capacity and consumption in the northern region continue to set records.

In large cities, the heat absorption effect from concrete, pavements, and glass buildings can cause the perceived outdoor temperature to exceed 50 degrees Celsius. This prolonged heat, even at night, leads to a surge in demand for cooling devices such as air conditioners, electric fans, and refrigerators, especially during peak evening hours.

Based on current weather developments, NSMO forecasts that on May 26th, the peak power capacity of the national electricity system could reach 55,519 MW. In the North alone, it is likely to exceed 30,134 MW for the first time during peak hours at 10 PM, approximately 7,000 MW higher than before the heatwave.

According to the Northern Power Corporation (EVNNPC), electricity consumption in the 17 northern provinces and cities under its management (excluding Hanoi ) has consistently remained at very high levels in recent days.

On May 25th alone, electricity consumption across the entire northern region reached approximately 418.5 million kWh, significantly exceeding the record of around 393 million kWh recorded on August 4th, 2025. This places immense pressure on the operation of the power system and on ensuring a safe and stable electricity supply during the peak of the hot season in 2026.

Adjusting the load in case of local power shortages.

Ms. Do Nguyet Anh, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Northern Power Corporation (EVNNPC), said that, in response to the risk of a sudden surge in electricity demand, EVNNPC is coordinating with the Departments of Industry and Trade in the provinces to develop various scenarios for adjusting the load by 5-30% in case of localized power shortages.

In addition, EVNNPC is also coordinating with small hydropower plants to adjust power generation hours to suit the new peak hours, adding approximately 2,000-3,000 MW during evening hours. Electricity saving programs and the development of rooftop solar power are also being promoted to reduce pressure on the national power grid.

Several restaurants in the Hoang Quan Chi street area (Dich Vong ward, Hanoi) suddenly lost power at noon on May 26th.

In Hanoi, the Hanoi Electricity Corporation (EVNHANOI) announced that it is expanding its demand response (DR) program to include customers using 500,000 kWh/year or more. To date, more than 1,000 customers have participated, potentially shifting approximately 100 MW of load capacity.

In addition, EVNHANOI signed commitments with more than 230,000 customers in the administrative, manufacturing, and commercial service sectors to promote the efficient and economical use of electricity.

EVNHANOI is maintaining a 24/7 on-call system, strengthening operational monitoring, inspecting equipment, and proactively addressing overload risks to ensure electricity supply for people's daily lives, production, and business activities.

To ensure electricity supply during peak periods, NSMO is continuing to heavily mobilize LNG power sources with a total capacity of over 3,000 MW from the Nhon Trach 3, Nhon Trach 4, Phu My 2.2, and Phu My 3 plants. At the same time, fuel oil-fired units at O ​​Mon I are also being mobilized to increase the available capacity of the system.

In Hanoi, several households experienced power outages at midday on May 26th. The National Power Grid Management Agency (NSMO) recommends that residents and businesses use electricity sparingly to help ensure the safe operation of the national power grid.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/mien-bac-nong-nhu-do-lua-dien-tieu-thu-lien-tuc-lap-ky-luc-post1846402.tpo