The Southern Power Corporation (EVNSPC) reported a significant decrease in electrical accidents across its southern operational areas, including An Giang, Ca Mau, Can Tho, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, Tay Ninh, Dong Nai, and Lam Dong, during the first 10 months of the current year compared to the same period in 2024. Specifically, the number of electrical accidents among residents decreased by 11 cases, representing a 42% reduction, while fatalities dropped by 10 people, a 34% decrease.

However, incidents resulting in human casualties indicate significant latent risks when post-meter electrical systems are not regularly inspected and maintained. These incidents underscore Article 66 of the Electricity Law 2024, which states that customers are responsible for their post-meter electrical systems and must ensure their regular inspection for safety.

Workers from Can Tho Power Company distribute electrical safety leaflets to households. Photo: EVNSPC.

Workers from Can Tho Power Company distribute electrical safety leaflets to households. Photo: EVNSPC.

To proactively prevent accidents, EVNSPC annually directs its units to conduct comprehensive inspections, including customer-owned post-meter wiring. By the end of October, power companies identified 7,776 cases where post-meter electrical systems posed safety risks.

Common issues observed include conductors with worn insulation from prolonged use; wires directly suspended or touching metal structures like corrugated iron roofs or steel frames, or entangled in trees; and sagging power lines that lack sufficient safe clearance from roads or canals. For these cases, the power sector has documented recommendations and guided customers on corrective actions. If customers do not cooperate in repairing their property, power management teams may proceed to suspend or reduce electricity supply to ensure safety, in accordance with regulations, thereby protecting residents' lives.

Workers from Lam Dong Power Company inspect electrical systems in production facilities. Photo: EVNSPC.

Workers from Lam Dong Power Company inspect electrical systems in production facilities. Photo: EVNSPC.

In addition to technical inspections, EVNSPC employs diverse communication methods, ranging from traditional leaflets to multimedia outreach. Electrical safety warnings are widely broadcast on radio, television, and especially social media platforms like Zalo and Facebook, using simple, clear language.

Workers from Ca Mau Power Company inspect and guide households on post-meter electricity usage. Photo: EVNSPC.

Workers from Ca Mau Power Company inspect and guide households on post-meter electricity usage. Photo: EVNSPC.

Given complex weather developments, the power sector proactively displays warning banners in flooded or densely populated areas. During periods of heavy rains, floods, and high tides, EVNSPC closely coordinates with local authorities to implement emergency power cuts in deeply inundated zones. Simultaneously, it mandates other infrastructure management units, such as those for lighting, telecommunications, and advertising, to self-assess their equipment's safety; non-compliance will result in power disconnection. Beyond objective factors, many electrical accidents among residents also stem from unsafe daily habits, including fishing, using electric rat traps, and improper wiring for agricultural purposes.

To mitigate risks, EVNSPC advises residents to select conductors of appropriate cross-section, install residual current devices and overload circuit breakers, place outlets and switches in dry locations, add grounding wires, and regularly inspect their entire electrical system. In the event of a short circuit or fire, residents should promptly disconnect the main circuit breaker, maintain a safe distance, and immediately notify the power company for coordinated handling.

(Source: EVNSPC)