Electric workers check the operation of a 500 kV transmission line in Hà Nội.— VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hùng

HÀ NỘI — Resolute implementation of measures must be deployed to ensure electricity supply during peak periods in this year and the following years.

This was the order of Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính following the Official Dispatch 38/CĐ-TTg that he signed on Monday, regarding the resolute, comprehensive and effective implementation of measures to ensure electricity supply during peak periods this year and the following years.

The dispatch was issued in the context of the potential risk of electricity shortage this year. Electricity consumption during the dry season (from May to July) is forecast to increase significantly (up to 13 per cent, much higher than the estimation of 9.6 per cent). Particularly, the northern region is expected to see a record increase of 17 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Therefore, PM Chính told the Minister of Industry and Trade to implement the approved plans for electricity supply and operation of the national power system this year to timely meet the upcoming electricity demand and ensure no power shortages under any circumstances.

The ministry was also assigned to monitor the management and operation of the power system to ensure safety, efficiency and minimisation of incidents.

The ministry was required to submit a mechanism of Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) for issuance before April 30; a mechanism to encourage rooftop solar power development; and policies for the development of gas power, offshore wind power and coastal wind power projects.

For electricity transmission projects, Chính tasked relevant units to expedite the progress of the 500kV transmission line circuit 3 from Quảng Trạch to Phố Nối to be operational before June 30, 2024; as well as electricity transmission projects from Laos to supply power to the northern region.

He also urged localities to implement electricity-saving measures, prioritise maximum reserve water sources for power generation during peak periods, and promote efficient use of resources.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development was ordered to guide localities to expedite procedures related to forest land-use conversion and temporary forest use, to accelerate the implementation of power generation and grid projects.

Vietnam Electricity (EVN), Việt Nam Oil and Gas Group (PVN), and Việt Nam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group - Vinacomin (TKV) were urged to effectively implement electricity purchase contracts, coal supply and gas supply for the national interests, combatting negativity and waste; and promptly addressing power source incidents.

PM Chính also assigned EVN to speed up electricity project schedules. Specifically, the 500kV transmission line circuit 3 from Quảng Trạch to Phố Nối was told to complete steel pole installation by April 30, begin pole installation by May 31, string wires and be put into operation by June 30, 2024.

The EVN must make efforts to complete transmission projects to serve electricity imports from Laos in May 2024, such as Đắk Oóc Station and Nậm Sum - Nông Cống 200kV transmission line.

Localities are urgently required to implement plans for the National Power Development Plan 8, and large-scale projects in the northern region such as the Nghi Sơn LNG Plant in Thanh Hóa Province and Quỳnh Lập LNG in Nghệ An Province.

Commencement was targeted in the second quarter of 2025, with electricity generation completion of the Quảng Ninh LNG and Thái Bình LNG plants by 2027.

Heads of the People's Committees in localities must instruct relevant agencies to implement electricity-saving measures, especially applying optimal solutions, using automation technology, solar energy, replacing energy-saving lights in public lighting, advertising and outdoor decoration.

They were also tasked to direct local agencies to closely coordinate with ministries, sectors, EVN, and investors of hydropower plants to use water resources optimally, ensuring agricultural production and daily life, while maximising backup water sources for power generation during peak periods.

The Minister of Information and Communications was assigned to coordinate with Vietnam News Agency, Việt Nam Television, Voice of Việt Nam and EVN to enhance information dissemination about policies, electricity pricing calculations, continue transparency, and publicise data and information related to the electricity industry to create social consensus.

Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà was directly responsible for inspecting, urging and handling relevant issues within his authority and to report to the Prime Minister if the issues were beyond his authority.

The Government Office was ordered to monitor and urge the implementation of the dispatch, and report to the Prime Minister on the implementation results. — VNS