On 4/8, the National System Operation and Market Operation Company (NSMO) reported that following a heatwave in late July, northern Vietnam entered another period of intense heat starting 1/8. Today, temperatures in Hanoi neared 40°C, with the Lang station recording 39.1-39.7°C and a heat index reaching 47°C, making it one of the hottest spots in the country.

The extreme weather has led to a sharp increase in electricity consumption in northern Vietnam, even on the weekend. From 1/8 to 4/8, the region's peak power consumption reached 25,761 MW. This is about 25% higher than normal weekends and nearly twice the capacity of the Son La hydropower plant.

During the peak period from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on 4/8, the national peak power consumption reached approximately 54,500 MW, the highest since the beginning of the year and a new record. This represents an increase of about 5,000 MW, or 10%, compared to the same period in 2024. Northern Vietnam alone reached 28,500 MW, an increase of about 3,000 MW (12%).

NSMO engineers monitor the power system. Photo: NSMO

NSMO engineers monitor the power system. Photo: NSMO

The high power output has led to overloading of many transmission lines and transformers at 220kV and 500kV stations, including the 500kV Son La - Viet Tri line; the 220kV Thanh Cong - Ha Dong line; and 500kV transformer stations in Hoa Binh, Lai Chau, Viet Tri, West Hanoi, Pho Noi, Thuong Tin, Hiep Hoa, and Dong Anh; as well as 220kV transformer stations in Mai Dong, Chem, Thanh Cong, Bac Ninh 2, Dong Hoa, and Ha Dong.

At 1:46 p.m., an incident on the 220kV Hoa Binh - Ha Dong line forced NSMO to adjust the load, meaning cutting off power in some areas, to reduce the load on overloaded lines and transformers and prevent widespread power outages. By 3 p.m. the same day, the entire load had been restored.

NSMO predicts that on the evening of 4/8 (9 p.m.-11 p.m.), northern Vietnam will continue to experience high temperatures, and demand could reach 29,000-29,500 MW, exceeding the afternoon peak by 1,000 MW. This will continue to put significant pressure on the northern power system.

In response, NSMO has mobilized all available resources in northern Vietnam, implemented technical solutions, and coordinated with Vietnam Electricity (EVN), power generation corporations, and transmission companies to ensure safe and continuous operation.

NSMO recommends that residents, businesses, and agencies use electricity efficiently, especially during peak hours, by prioritizing energy-saving appliances, turning off unnecessary devices, unplugging devices when not in use, and limiting the simultaneous operation of multiple high-power devices.

Phuong Dung