In response to the National Energy Efficiency Program, Vinh Phuc Province aims to save at least 10 percent of their current annual electricity consumption. Deputy director of the Vinh Phuc Power Company Phan Thanh An, spoke with Vietnam Economic News' Bao Ngoc about this target.
Can you tell us about Vinh Phuc Province's attempt to meet the Prime Ministerial Instruction on energy savings?
To strictly implement Prime Ministerial Instruction 171/CT-TTg on efficient electricity use, Vinh Phuc People's Committee issued their own guidance on February 25, 2011 and Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) Instruction 1790/CT-EVN on strengthening energy efficient activities, the first responsibility carried out by the Vinh Phuc Power Company was to establish a provincial steering committee on electricity supply. In addition, we have worked with related departments and the media to enhance public awareness over electricity conservation. To encourage people in the province to save electricity, the Vinh Phuc Power Company has succeeded in persuading 500 state departments to pledge to cut 10 percent of their annual electricity usage this year. Energy conservation products such as compact bulbs and solar water heaters have been given promoted as a key aspect of this communications campaign.
Thanks to raised public awareness, many businesses in the province have taken the initiative to implement energy efficiency and conservation measures to meet their commitment to Vinh Phuc Power Company, make reasonable production plans, reduced the use of machines that consume large amounts of electricity such as crushers, pumps and air compressors during peak electricity tariff periods and minimized no load time of electric products. In addition, businesses have taken part in energy audit programs and applied energy saving lighting and air conditioners. Intensifying production during off-peak electricity tariff periods has become increasingly common in the province. Large commercial energy users need to draft plans in order to save no less than one percent of their annual electricity use. Through these measures, in the first six months of this year, Vinh Phuc Province saved more than 5.7 million kWh (equal to 104.61 percent of the plan). The province is striving to save 12 million kWh of electricity in 2011.
Vinh Phuc Province has seen rapid economic growth rate and attracted a large number of investors. Therefore, the province has consumed a large amount of electricity. What difficulties has the province faced when implementing electricity conservation programs while ensuring economic development and increased attraction of new investor?
It is estimated that in 2011, Vinh Phuc will see an 18 percent increase in electricity consumption and electricity production will total a little more than one billion kWh. Electricity use in 2012 will increase 20 percent. Among power companies under the Northern Power Corporation, the Vinh Phuc Power Company is considered among the most likely to obtain a dynamic growth rate.
To obtain rapid economic growth and create favorable conditions to lure investors, while continuing to ensure electricity efficiency, the province has when implementing its energy saving public awareness strategy paid special attention to foreign direct investment (FDI) companies. To ensure a healthy environment to attract investors, FDI companies have been prioritized in terms of receiving uninterrupted electricity supplies. In the dry season, when the Vinh Phuc Power Company faces difficulties in electricity supply, electricity provided for FDI companies will not be cut. Instead, the power company has laid out norms on electricity use to those businesses so that they can adjust their production timetables. Luckily, all the FDI businesses based in the province have agreed about the need for an electricity conservation program and have taken the initiative in curbing electricity usage, adopting advanced technology which consume little energy and have solutions in the case of any power cuts. Through these measures, the province has underscored the many favorable conditions that exist to implement electricity conservation programs.
What methods will the province apply in the coming years to turn electricity conservation into a regular habit?
It is estimated that in 2012 the province will face many difficulties in electricity supply due to unfavorable weather conditions. There will be a lack of water to run turbines to produce electricity. Therefore, the province will have to enhance electricity conservation programs next year. In January 2012, the Vinh Phuc Power Company will work with the Vinh Phuc Department of Industry and Trade to draft an electricity supply plan for 2012 that will be submitted to Vinh Phuc People's Committee for ratification. According to the plan, the province will enhance communications campaigns on electricity conservation in production, business and daily activities. Businesses which produce key products that make a large contribution to the province's economic development will be prioritized in the provision of electricity. Electricity provided for these companies will not be cut. Instead, the power company will define electricity consumption targets for companies to adjust their production. Businesses must conserve 10 percent of their electricity use compared to the previous year. This is considered as a key target for every business. The province aims to target savings of between 10-30 percent in the coming years.
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