EVNHCMC has set a target to become a digital business by adopting key technologies such as big data, Internet of Things and AI. Photo courtesy of EVN

HCM CITY — HCM City’s electricity sector has set a target to become a digital business by adopting key technologies such as big data, Internet of Things and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the local power system.

Nguyễn Duy Quốc Việt, deputy general director of Electricity of HCM City (EVNHCMC), said: “Technology has drastically changed the power industry. The group is applying advanced technologies to improve production and business activities, enhance labour productivity and reduce costs." 

It has adopted state-of-the-art equipment and technologies in power system management and operations, including implementation of hydrological forecasting software, remote controls, and unmanned substations in 110kV – 220kV grid systems, he said. 

The group is also striving to ensure adequate power supply for socio-economic development and environmental protection.

Smart power grid

Phạm Quốc Bảo, general director of EVNHCMC, said the city’s power sector has implemented smart power grid development programmes under the Smart Power Grid Development Project as approved recently by the Prime Minister.

“The city’s power grid is mostly automated,” he said. “The group has supervised and operated the power grid, including 220kV distribution substations, 110kV substations and medium voltage switchgear equipment.” 

Eighty per cent of the medium voltage grid has been controlled remotely (by Mini-SCADA), according to Bảo. 

The group is also implementing the automation plan for 220kV distribution power grids; promoting the application of live-line working in order to mitigate the disruption time of power supply. 

It also put into operation 21 insulated cleaning sets for 110kV and 220kV power grids with high pressure water taps (online porcelain cleaning) to maintain the grids without outage, contributing to reducing incidents and improving the reliability of power supply to customers.

In addition, the group has also piloted the Micro Grid model (regional smart power grid) in four areas: Hi-tech Park in District 9, commercial offices along main roads in District 1, Miếu Nổi residential area in Phú Nhuận District, and residential area in District 7.

Payment forms

The group has diversified power bill payment channels in recent years, including online power bill payment through automatic debt deduction, Internet banking, mobile banking, and electronic wallets, among others. 

At customer service centres, EVN receives requests and provides consultancy via telephone centres, as well as offers customer services via website, email, webchat, fanpage, and customer care on mobile apps. In addition, EVN has applied chatbots using AI to talk with its customers.

EVNHCMC has worked with 22 banks and nine partners to help customers pay for electricity bills at more than 5,712 payment points outside the electricity system, convenience stores, post offices, supermarkets, and 2,202 ATMs, through Internet/Mobile/SMS Banking.

According to EVN’s report, as of the end of 2019, the total capacity of the power system was estimated at 54,880MW, up 6,320MW compared to the previous year. 

Việt Nam ranked second in scale of power system in ASEAN, after Indonesia, and 23rd in the world.

In 2019, the EVN put two thermopower plants and three solar power plants into operation with total capacity of 1,400 MW.

To date, more than 99.52 per cent of households throughout the country are connected to the grid.

EVN earned more than VNĐ393 trillion in revenue in 2019, up 14.3 per cent over 2018. It reported profit of VNĐ950 billion. — VNS