31-5-2023 (HANOI) As Vietnam grapples with scorching temperatures and soaring electricity consumption, the country has resorted to measures such as dimming street lights and encouraging manufacturers to shift operations to off-peak hours in order to alleviate strain on the national power system.
Weather officials have warned that the ongoing heatwave, which has led to record temperatures in some areas, may persist until June. In response, several cities have opted to reduce public lighting, and government offices have been urged to reduce their power usage by ten percent. The state utility company, EVN, issued a warning that the national grid would face strain in the upcoming weeks.
Hanoi resident Tran Van Hung, 67, described the severity of the situation, stating, “It’s so harsh and hot outside that people have to wear protective clothing to cool down and avoid getting burned.”
According to weather officials, temperatures this week are anticipated to range between 26 degrees Celsius and 38 degrees Celsius.
To address the issue, Hanoi has shortened the duration of public lighting by one hour daily and reduced illumination on major roads and public parks by fifty percent.
Luong Minh Quan, an electrician with EVN in Hanoi, emphasized the importance of energy conservation, saying, “If people all save energy, everyone will have enough electricity to use. However, failure to do so may result in a partial electrical overload, jeopardizing the stability of the power grid.”
Last week, Vietnam called for the responsible use of electrical devices by turning them off when not in use and setting air-conditioning temperatures above 26 degrees Celsius.
Authorities are also encouraging industrial consumers to operate during off-peak hours when overall electricity demand is lower, thereby relieving pressure on the national grid. An industry source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that over 11,000 companies, including major factories like China’s Texhong Textile Group and South Korean shoemaker Changshin, have pledged to reduce consumption wherever possible, as reported by the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam (ERAV).
While some Hanoi residents sought respite from the sweltering heat at a waterpark, experts caution that engaging in physical activity during extreme heat can lead to dehydration and exhaustion.
Tran Minh Trung, 48, expressed the necessity of seeking relief in water-based activities, stating, “The water can help overcome the heat, as there are no other immediate solutions.”
