Vietnam’s maximum power output or peak power output (Pmax) hit the highest-ever record of 38,147 MW on June 21 as hot waves stretched many parts of the country. 
Power consumption in Vietnam in 2017-2019. Photo: VnExpress
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The country consumed 783 million kWh on that day, 72 million kWh higher than the highest volume in 2018 due to scorching weather (around 40 degrees Celcius) swept the northern, the central, and the southern regions, local media reported, citing Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN)’s National Load Dispatch Center (NLDC).
Air conditioners took up to 60%-65% of the total consumed power volume, according to the NLDC.
Accordingly, experts advised that air conditioners should be switched on at 26-27 degrees Celcius to save power.
In addition, EVN has called customers to save electricity to avoid power outage and save money for them.
To feed the surging demand for power, EVN is said to mobilize diesel-fueled generators which produce power at high prices, around VND3,500 (15 US cent) -VND5,000 (65 US cent).
On June 21, the sole power distributor had to contribute up to 2,000 MW of diesel-fired sources to the country’s total power volume
Vu Xuan Khu, deputy head of the NLDC predicted that the consumed volume would be higher during this summer, especially in June, pushing Pmax to 37,000-39,000 MW, up 11%-14% on year.
Currently, Vietnam’s power sources include hydropower, coal-fired, gas-fueled, diesel-fueled, wind and power, and imported volume from China, Lao, and Cambodia. Three main suppliers are EVN, PetroVietnam Power Corporation and Vinacomin Power Corporation.
