Vietnam's power grid under record strain from extreme heat

Extreme heat in May 2026 pushed Vietnam’s electricity demand to unprecedented levels, especially in the northern region. On 25 May the national system reached a peak load of 57.1 MW, while the north recorded a historic 29.7 MW, surpassing previous yearly highs by more than 10 %. The surge forced the state‑owned Vietnam Electricity (EVN) to mobilise all available generation sources—including costly diesel units—and to tighten grid monitoring and maintenance to avoid local shortages.

The sustained high demand is expected to keep electricity bills elevated. EVN and the North Vietnam Power Corporation (EVNNPC) advise consumers to monitor daily consumption, set air‑conditioners to 26 °C or higher, use fans, and consider rooftop solar installations to offset grid purchases. Officials warn that delayed power‑project completions and continued heatwaves could maintain pressure on the system throughout the summer months.