Vietnam's power grid strains under heat‑wave surge in electricity demand

Extreme heat across Vietnam has pushed the national power system to record levels. On 22‑23 June, peak capacity exceeded 58 000 MW and the northern grid alone reached about 30 000 MW, driven by temperatures up to 45 °C in Hanoi. Officials said the load increase reflected strong economic growth but also highlighted supply‑side risks, noting that costs can rise 15‑20 % when fuel and coal markets tighten.

Energy experts explained that unlike most goods, electricity cost rises when usage surpasses system capacity because additional generation and transmission become expensive. The government urged consumers to adopt saving measures: set air‑conditioners to around 26 °C, turn off unnecessary devices, shift non‑essential consumption to off‑peak periods, and maintain equipment. These steps aim to ease pressure on the grid, control household bills, and ensure stable supply during the peak summer season.