Power consumption reached a new, unprecedented record.

In recent days, temperatures in Hanoi have generally fluctuated between 37-39 ° C, with the perceived outdoor temperature sometimes exceeding 40 ° C. This has led to a sudden surge in electricity consumption in residential areas, especially in apartment buildings, densely populated urban areas, and commercial establishments.

According to the Hanoi City power system, the peak load capacity (Pmax) reached 6,203 MW at 9:30 PM on May 25th, the highest in history and a 3.4% increase compared to the peak capacity in 2025 (5,992 MW); electricity consumption on May 25th also reached 125.87 million kWh, a 2.4% increase compared to the peak capacity in 2025 (122.84 million kWh). All indicators set unprecedented new records.

Workers from the Ngoc Ha Electrical Management Team, Ba Dinh Power Company, inspect the operational status of electrical equipment. Photo: VIET ANH

Previously, Hanoi's electricity consumption also increased continuously day by day, from 94.4 million kWh on May 20th to 97.4 million kWh on May 21st; reaching over 101.9 million kWh on May 22nd; approximately 106.1 million kWh on May 23rd; and reaching approximately 109.9 million kWh on May 24th. This trend clearly reflects the impact of prolonged hot weather on the demand for electricity for both domestic and industrial use in the area.

Proactively develop operational scenarios.

Despite the significant increase in load pressure due to the prolonged heatwave, the capital's power system has maintained safe, stable, and continuous operation in recent days. This result stems from EVNHANOI's proactive development of multiple power supply scenarios for the summer of 2026, preparing to respond even under the most extreme weather conditions.

According to EVNHANOI's calculations, electricity demand in Hanoi in 2026 is projected to continue its high growth rate, increasing by approximately 10% under normal conditions and potentially reaching 15% under extreme weather conditions. Specifically, Hanoi's peak load capacity is expected to reach approximately 6,590 MW, an increase of nearly 600 MW compared to 2025 (5,992 MW). Particularly, in the event of prolonged and widespread hot weather, this figure could rise to 6,890 MW.

EVNHANOI workers inspect the condition of equipment at the substation. Photo: VIET ANH

Faced with immense pressure on the capital's power system, EVNHANOI has shifted from a "reactive" mindset to a "proactive management" approach, developing detailed operating plans for each load level and continuously updating operational data in real time to optimize dispatching and reduce the risk of power supply disruptions.

Alongside operational management, EVNHANOI is accelerating infrastructure investment to enhance the system's responsiveness. A notable achievement is the plan to commission a 50MW battery energy storage system (BESS) at 110kV substations starting in April 2026, gradually increasing capacity to 200MW to support peak-hour load regulation. Construction of 110kV and 220kV power grids is also being expedited in areas with high load growth rates.

At the same time, the Corporation is strengthening the monitoring of the operation of transformers carrying large loads, proactively balancing the load, and increasing capacity when necessary; vigorously implementing the demand response (DR) program, encouraging customers to shift their electricity usage away from peak hours, and promoting the efficient and economical use of electricity. In addition to focusing on infrastructure and technology, EVNHANOI's affiliated units are also strengthening grid inspections, maintaining 24/7 emergency response capabilities, and ensuring the safety of power grid corridors throughout the entire area.

The synchronized preparation of multiple power supply scenarios shows that EVNHANOI is gradually building a highly adaptable power system for the capital city, ensuring safe and stable operation in the face of any load fluctuations during the summer of 2026.

Saving electricity - a small action, a big impact.

Although the current power system basically meets the needs of people and businesses, during the peak of the hot season, EVNHANOI calls on people to work together to use electricity rationally this summer.

According to operational analysis, for every 1 ° C increase in outdoor temperature, the electricity consumption of cooling devices can increase by 2-3%, depending on the type and efficiency of the equipment. When the temperature increases by about 5 ° C, total electricity consumption can increase by up to 10%. In addition, many outdoor electrical devices are already exposed to high temperatures all day long; therefore, during peak hours, there is still a risk of localized overloading of the power system.

Accordingly, customers should set air conditioners to 26 ° C or higher and combine them with fans to increase cooling efficiency, while prioritizing the use of Eco mode (energy-saving mode) on electrical appliances. In addition, electrical appliances should be turned off when not in use, high-power appliances should be turned off or reduced simultaneously, and appliances should be switched off in standby mode or unplugged when not needed.

Saving electricity is not just about reducing electricity bills, but also about protecting energy security and the environment. When millions of families change their habits, the amount of electricity saved will become a huge resource for production, daily life, and sustainable development. Therefore, saving electricity is not just the responsibility of the electricity industry or individual households, but the responsibility of every citizen towards the future economy , environment, and community.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/kinh-te/cac-van-de/san-sang-kich-ban-ung-pho-phu-tai-tang-cao-1041374