Saving electricity requires cooperation from many sides.

TPO - Faced with increasing electricity demand and the need to ensure national energy security, the efficient and economical use of energy is becoming an urgent requirement, rather than just a call for action. Many experts, management agencies, and businesses believe that for electricity saving to become truly effective, it requires the joint efforts of the State, the electricity sector, businesses, and the people.

On May 20th, the Ho Chi Minh City Law Newspaper organized a seminar on "Legal aspects of energy saving and efficiency," with the participation of representatives from management agencies, the electricity sector, and energy experts.

Saving electricity is no longer just a trend.

In recent days, the southern region, especially Ho Chi Minh City, has experienced continuous and prolonged heatwaves. Electricity demand has increased sharply, reaching new peaks at many times, putting significant pressure on the national power grid.

According to experts, this is no longer just a story for the electricity sector, but directly relates to energy security, production and business activities, people's lives, and sustainable development goals.

Recently, the Government, the National Assembly , and various ministries have continuously issued many new regulations related to energy conservation and efficiency. This shows a clear shift in management thinking.

Specifically, on March 13, 2026, the National Assembly Office issued consolidated document No. 38/VBHN-VPQH on the Law on Economical and Efficient Energy Use, clearly defining the legal responsibilities of organizations and individuals; strictly managing large energy-consuming facilities; and requiring State agencies to take the lead in practicing electricity saving.

Subsequently, on March 30, 2026, the Prime Minister issued Directive 10 on strengthening the implementation of electricity saving and developing self-sufficient rooftop solar power. The Directive sets mandatory electricity saving targets, requiring a minimum reduction of 3% in annual electricity consumption and 10% during peak seasons, while also promoting the development of rooftop solar power.

Overview of the conference. Photo: Thuan Van

Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngoc, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, stated that political changes around the world are strongly impacting energy security. In this context, ensuring energy security has become more urgent than ever.

According to Ms. Ngoc, regulations on electricity conservation have been in place for many years, and the government continues to issue more directives to promote green transition and efficient energy use. “The issue is not just about cost; it’s important to emphasize that saving energy will contribute to environmental protection in the future. The most effective approach still depends on the awareness of the people and businesses in using electricity efficiently and economically,” Ms. Ngoc said.

Ms. Ngoc also stated that the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council has assigned the Department of Industry and Trade to advise on the development of a resolution to support people and businesses in installing rooftop solar power, contributing to reducing costs and ensuring energy security in the future.

We need to improve mechanisms and support for businesses.

Mr. Ngo Son Hai, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN), stated that Vietnam's electricity demand has continued to grow strongly in recent years. In the context of significant pressure on power sources, the grid, fuel, and infrastructure investment, energy conservation and efficiency are no longer just a temporary solution but have become crucial measures to ensure national energy security.

For EVN, in addition to the task of increasing electricity supply, electricity saving and load demand management are identified as important tasks to ensure electricity for socio-economic development and people's lives.

Electricity company staff guide customers on using the EVNHCMC customer care application to monitor their daily electricity consumption.

Over the past period, EVN has coordinated with ministries, sectors, and localities to implement many solutions such as electricity load adjustment programs, providing consulting support to key energy-consuming facilities, applying digital technology in load management, encouraging the development of self-sufficient rooftop solar power, and strengthening communication to raise public awareness.

However, the implementation still has much room for improvement, especially in enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement and strengthening coordination between management agencies, businesses, the electricity sector, and electricity users. "It is necessary to clarify the responsibilities of all parties in implementing electricity saving measures, while also improving the monitoring mechanism, data, and tools for managing efficient energy use," Mr. Hai said.

Anticipating increased electricity demand during the dry season, Mr. Bui Trung Kien, Deputy General Director of Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation (EVNHCMC), stated that the corporation has developed scenarios for grid operation in 2026 and during the dry season, and has proposed prioritizing power allocation for Ho Chi Minh City. EVNHCMC has intensified efforts to improve the power grid, reduce incidents, and enhance the reliability of electricity supply; accelerated the progress of investment and construction projects; regularly updated incident response plans; and encouraged customers to implement electricity saving measures.

Mr. Bui Quoc Hoan, Deputy General Director of the Southern Power Corporation (EVNSPC), said that in recent times, the unit has worked with the People's Committees of southern provinces and cities to implement solutions to ensure electricity supply. EVNSPC has also coordinated with the Departments of Industry and Trade of localities to implement Directives 09 and 10 of the Prime Minister; and worked with customers to sign agreements to implement electricity saving targets. Notably, EVNSPC is stepping up propaganda and support for customers to install rooftop solar power systems for self-consumption combined with electricity storage systems to optimize electricity usage.

To date, 1,904 self-sufficient rooftop solar power systems have been put into operation with a total capacity of 487.7 MWp, equivalent to about 1% of commercial electricity production. However, Mr. Hoan also stated that the initial investment cost for energy-saving technology is still quite high, making it difficult for many small and medium-sized enterprises to replace old production lines or invest in high-efficiency equipment.

Mr. Tran Quoc Tam, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Renewable Energy Association, noted that Vietnam has many advantages in energy-saving technologies as well as potential for developing solar power, wind power, and battery storage systems. “We can store energy when there is a surplus and use it when there is a shortage. However, we need to shift our mindset from encouragement to alternative investment. The government needs preferential policies, administrative procedure reforms, loan support, and tax reductions to encourage businesses to invest,” Mr. Tam suggested.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/tiet-kiem-dien-can-su-dong-hanh-tu-nhieu-phia-post1845096.tpo