The heat of more than 38oC results in a sudden rise in electricity demand, and overloaded system. HCMC Power Company has been forced to implement an emergency power saving plan, part of which is to offer VND200,000 as reward for any households saving electricity by 6% in May and June.

Prizes for the power saving campaign, thousands of promotion leaflets, switching off 50% of public lights, etc  are what HCMC is implementing to save at least 10% of power consumption.

According to the statistics of HCM City Power Company, in four days, the city consumed from 48 million to 50 million KWh per day. On 12th May, the electricity consumption even reached the record level of more than 50 million KWh.

"In May, under Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) distribution plan, HCM City is only permitted to use an average of nearly 44.9 million KWh per day. However, since 4th May every day the power consumption has been well beyond this level," said Mr. Tran Tuan Khiem, Deputy Director of HCM City Power Company.

At the meeting on electricity supply in dry season this morning, HCMC Power said that excessive power consumption in HCM is causing overload.

"We have not yet applied rotated power cut, but if there are no economical solutions to reduce at least 10% of consumption, it is very difficult to maintain stable electricity supply," said Mr. Tuan.  
 
Overload led to numerous incidents when the low voltage circuit breakers automatically disconnect, many areas have power outage. Specifically, some areas of the District 2, 9, Thu Duc, etc have suffered power cut due to electrical overload problem.  
 
"When there is a power cut in the mid-noon, the streets are in chaos. We don’t know how long it will last. This could drive people crazy." said Vy, in Binh Thoi, Lac Long Quan Street, Ward 3 District 11. This area had a power outage from 11:30 pm until late afternoon.  
 
The city therefore was forced to come up with an emergency energy saving plan. HCM City People's Committee has recently issued a target to slice at least 10% of power usage. Department of Transportation has to cut 50% of public lighting in the city roads and parks. Advertising companies, service establishments should minimize the use of intensive advertising lights. Billboards around the city are required to turn off lights after 22pm. 
 
"The city’s Power Company will distribute 600,000 leaflets. Especially prizes for energy saving program are applied. Households which save more than 6% of power consumption in May and June compared to the same period last year will receive gifts worth 200,000 VND. Total prize is VND600 million" said Mr. Huynh Tri Dung, Head of Business Division, HCM City Power.

Currently, there is no punishment legislation for the wasted energy in HCM City. HCMC Power Company has petitioned to bring punishment on wasteful use of electricity into law.  
HCMC Power Company also concedes that the electricity consumption forecast of regional electricity sectors has not been taken well; therefore, the low voltage circuit breaker shuts down when overloaded and causing power outage. 

HCM City Power asserted that the power outage for side trees defoliation and grid maintenance are only carried out up to 5 hours a day and once a week. Regional electricity sector must not violate this

By Thuy Hang