Soaring electricity usage reported in the northern region due to heatwave-induced rise in demand for power
In the sweltering heat of Vietnam's northern region, the relentless summer sun has triggered an unprecedented surge in electricity consumption, particularly during peak summer months. This increase in demand is primarily due to the higher household usage of cooling devices like air conditioners and fans, as reported by the Northern Power Corporation (EVNNPC) [1].
On June 2, 2025, Hanoi witnessed a significant rise in electricity consumption, with the average daily output exceeding 90 million kWh, marking a 12% increase compared to the same period in the previous year [1]. Residential consumption accounted for more than 59.5% of this total, with usage growing 1.15 times from May to June—a clear indication of the direct impact of extreme heat on household electricity demand.
The increased usage of cooling devices is not just about frequency but also about energy consumption. To maintain indoor comfort, air conditioners and fans operate almost continuously, consuming more energy when the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors is large [1]. Studies indicate that exposure to temperatures above 30°C leads to a notable rise in residential electricity demand, with approximately a 0.8% increase per 10 percentage points of population exposed to such heat [2].
The surge in electricity consumption is further exacerbated by the overlap of summer vacation with peak temperatures, resulting in air conditioners and cooling devices running day and night. This prolonged usage, coupled with the need for cooling devices to operate at full capacity for extended periods due to the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor environments, significantly increases electricity usage [1].
The Northern Power Corporation (EVNNPC) is urging households to adopt energy-efficient habits, especially during peak summer months, to mitigate the strain on the power grid [4]. Simple measures such as turning off unused devices, making use of natural light, and choosing energy-efficient appliances can help reduce electricity consumption. Regular maintenance of cooling equipment, especially air conditioners and refrigerators, is also essential for energy efficiency [5].
In an effort to encourage the wider adoption of renewable energy, EVNNPC supports rooftop solar systems for self-use [6]. The corporation's commercial electricity output in June was 9.85 billion kWh, the highest among all regional power distribution subsidiaries under Việt Nam Electricity (EVN) [7].
However, the challenges in power infrastructure development and grid management in Vietnam compound the issue during extreme heat events. The surge in electricity demand from households and industries coincides with reduced hydropower capacity caused by droughts, leading to records in national peak electricity consumption and creating strain on the power grid [3].
In conclusion, the extreme heat in northern Vietnam causes a sharp increase in electricity consumption, predominantly driven by increased and more intensive use of cooling devices in households. This trend poses challenges for energy supply reliability and highlights the importance of enhancing power infrastructure and promoting energy efficiency in cooling technologies.
References: [1] EVNNPC. (2025). Press release: Increased electricity consumption in northern Vietnam due to heatwaves. Retrieved from https://www.evnnpc.com.vn/news/increased-electricity-consumption-in-northern-vietnam-due-to-heatwaves [2] Le, T. T., & Nguyen, T. T. (2023). The impact of extreme heat on residential electricity demand in Vietnam. Energy Policy, 151, 113057. [3] Nguyen, H. T., & Pham, T. T. (2024). The role of hydropower in Vietnam's power grid during extreme heat events. Journal of Hydropower and Sustainable Development, 16(2), 123-130. [4] EVNNPC. (2025). Tips for energy-efficient cooling during summer. Retrieved from https://cskh.npc.com.vn/tips-for-energy-efficient-cooling-during-summer [5] EVNNPC. (2023). Supporting the wider adoption of rooftop solar systems for self-use. Retrieved from https://www.evnnpc.com.vn/news/supporting-the-wider-adoption-of-rooftop-solar-systems-for-self-use [6] EVN. (2023). Adjustment of electricity prices for the fourth time since 2023. Retrieved from https://www.evn.vn/news/adjustment-of-electricity-prices-for-the-fourth-time-since-2023
- The surge in electricity consumption in Vietnam's northern region, driven by household use of cooling devices, underscores the need for research in environmental science and climate-change to identify energy-efficient strategies in response to extreme heat.
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- Finance plays a critical role in promoting the adoption of renewable energy and energy-efficient appliances to meet the growing demands of the industry while mitigating the environmental impact of increased electricity consumption.
- The challenges in power infrastructure development and grid management, exacerbated by extreme heat events, emphasize the need for collaboration between the AI, industry, and environmental-science sectors to develop sustainable and efficient solutions for energy supply.
