A dormitory area at FPT University in Hà Nội used as a quarantine zone. Thousands of areas could be exempted from power bills. — VNA/VNS Photo Anh Tuấn

HÀ NỘI — Thousands of hospitals, quarantine zones and hotels that are being used to fight the COVID-19 pandemic may have theirelectricity bills waived for three months starting from April.

The move is part of a proposal Vietnam Electricity (EVN) made on Tuesday to allow electricity charge exemptions and reductions for some customers. The proposal aims to ease difficulties for business while ensuring social security amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The EVN also proposed halving the power bills of medical facilities that examine, test and treat patients suspected to be infected or infected with COVID-19.

In addition to hospitals and treatment facilities, Viet Nam is using quarantine zones such as military barracks, schools, hotels, resorts and dormitories to house those suspected of infection.

EVN’s figures revealed that in the first quarter of the year, its power output and purchase from foreign countries reached 54.9 billion kWh, posting 6.62 per cent year-on-year increase.

Industrial production and construction areas which account for the largest electricity consumption still posted the highest increase in power usage of 6.38 per cent despite the difficulties caused by COVID-19. Hotels and restaurants saw a slight decrease of 0.4 per cent in power consumption in the first three months of the year against the same period last year.

Power consumption from households surged nationwide as many people started working at home or lost their jobs amid the pandemic. Households made up 35 per cent of the country’s total electricity consumption in the period.

Electricity corporations were asked to review and submit a list of the above-mentioned customer groups and provide solutions to ensure electricity supply. — VNS