HCM CITY — The HCM City People’s Committee has proposed the Ministry of Trade and Industry approve the city’s power transmission development plan with a total investment of about VNĐ42.9 trillion (nearly US$1.9 billion).

The plan is expected to meet the city’s economic development target with average yearly GDP growth of 8 per cent during the period 2016-25.

Under the plan, it is estimated to spend about VNĐ10.9 trillion ($478 million) on the 220 kV transmission line, about VNĐ13.4 trillion ($587 million) on the 110 kV high-voltage distribution line, and about VNĐ18.6 trillion ($815 million) on the medium and low-voltage distribution lines.

Several transformer stations also will be built, including the 220 kV high-tech substations at Tân Cảng, Đầm Sen Park, Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport and Thủ Thêm.

It will install a six-wire transmission line at Cầu Bông- Hooc Môn, a four-wire transmission line at Cầu Bông-Bình Chánh, a two-wire underground transmission line at Cát Lái- Tân Cảng and a two-wire underground cable line at Phú Lâm- Đầm Sen and Đầm Sen-Bà Quẹo-Tân Sơn Nhất.

In addition, the city will also upgrade many power transmission lines connecting Nhơn Trạch power plant with the Cát Lái - Thủ Đức line, and build other high voltage, medium voltage and low voltage distribution lines.

In April, Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) estimated total power demand in the city will increase by 10 per cent compared to 2016. Therefore, the city’s electricity sector has to ensure power supply to meet the needs of businesses and people during the dry season.

Accordingly, EVN will mobilise all energy sources of coal, gas turbines, hydropower and even oil to ensure power supply in the coming months.

The HCM City Electricity Corporation has built specific plans to supply power, preparing backup generators and necessary measures in case of power outages. — VNS