Electricity consumption increased to a record level, NSMO called on people to save electricity

(Chinhphu.vn) - At the peak time on the afternoon of August 4, 2025 (13:30 - 14:30), the maximum capacity of the national power system reached about 54,500 MW, the highest level recorded since the beginning of the year and setting a new record, an increase of about 5,000 MW (10%) compared to the same period in 2024.

At the peak time on the afternoon of August 4, 2025 (13:30 - 14:30), the maximum capacity of the national power system reached about 54,500 MW, the highest level recorded since the beginning of the year and setting a new record - Illustrative photo

After the heat wave lasting from July 27 to 31, 2025, the North continued to enter a new heat wave from August 1 with severe intensity, peaking when Hanoi recorded temperatures approaching 40 °C. On August 4, the Northern region (except Lai Chau and Dien Bien), from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang, the eastern provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa continued to experience heat and severe heat, with some places experiencing particularly severe heat, with common temperatures ranging from 36-38 °C, some places above 39 °C. In Hanoi alone, Lang station recorded temperatures of 39.1-39.7 °C, among the hottest spots in the country, with the perceived temperature reaching 47 °C. The prolonged heat wave has caused electricity consumption to increase dramatically, posing a major challenge to the dispatching and operation of the national power system.

According to the National Electricity System and Market Operation Company Limited (NSMO), due to the impact of the widespread heat wave in the North during the period of August 1-4, 2025, the load in the North increased very high, even during the weekend, the maximum capacity of the Northern power system reached 25,761 MW, 4,000-5,000 MW higher (an increase of about 25%) compared to previous normal holidays, this difference is equivalent to 2 times the total capacity of Son La Hydropower Plant.

At the peak time on the afternoon of August 4, 2025 (13:30 - 14:30), the maximum capacity of the national power system reached about 54,500 MW, the highest level recorded since the beginning of the year and setting a new record, an increase of about 5,000 MW (10%) compared to the same period in 2024.

In the North alone, the maximum capacity reached about 28,500 MW, also the highest level since the beginning of the year, an increase of about 3,000 MW (12%) over the same period last year.

In particular, some transmission lines and transformers at 220kV and 500kV transformer stations in high load concentration areas recorded high load, full or overload status, such as: 500kV line 572 Son La - 575 Viet Tri; 220kV line 271 Thanh Cong - 271 Ha Dong; 500kV transformer stations: Hoa Binh , Lai Chau, Viet Tri, Tay Ha Noi, Pho Noi, Thuong Tin, Hiep Hoa, Dong Anh; 220kV transformer stations: Mai Dong, Chem, Thanh Cong, Bac Ninh 2, Dong Hoa, Dong Anh, Ha Dong, Hiep Hoa, Tay Ha Noi, Pho Noi...

In addition, while the electricity consumption in the North was at a very high level, at 13:46, a problem occurred on the 220kV Hoa Binh - Ha Dong line, leading to overloading of 500/220kV lines and transformers in the surrounding area. NSMO had to adjust the load in some areas to reduce the load on overloaded lines and transformers to ensure safe operation of the system and avoid widespread incidents. By 15:00 on the same day, all loads had been restored.

On the evening of August 4, 2025 (9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.), the temperature is forecast to continue to remain high to peak. The load in the North is forecast to reach 29,000 - 29,500 MW, about 1,000 MW higher than the afternoon peak (2:00 p.m.), putting great pressure on the Northern power system.

To prepare for hot days, NSMO has mobilized all available sources in the North, implemented plans to change wiring, adjust power flow and voltage to ensure technical requirements of the system, closely coordinated with Vietnam Electricity Group, Northern Power Corporation, Hanoi Power Corporation, National Power Transmission Corporation, Power Transmission Company 1 and power generation units to operate the power system safely and continuously.

Along with efforts to ensure safe, stable and continuous electricity supply, NSMO recommends that people, businesses and agencies use electricity economically and efficiently during peak hours from 13:00 to 15:00 and 20:00 to 23:00 on hot days. Prioritize the use of electrical equipment with energy-saving labels, turn off unnecessary equipment, unplug when not in use and limit the simultaneous use of many high-capacity devices during peak hours.

Anh Tho

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/tieu-thu-dien-tang-ky-luc-nsmo-keu-goi-nguoi-dan-tiet-kiem-dien-102250804181005071.htm