Every kilowatt counts in summer heat

ĐBP-  In recent weeks, prolonged hot weather has led to a sharp increase in electricity demand for household, production, and business activities, particularly for cooling appliances such as air conditioners, electric fans, and refrigerators. In this context, saving electricity not only helps reduce expenses for households but also contributes to the safe operation of the power system and supports the goal of green and sustainable development.

Along with socio-economic development, electricity consumption in Điện Biên province has continued to rise, especially during the summer peak season. Public and business awareness of energy conservation has improved significantly. Many households have proactively replaced incandescent bulbs with LED lighting, chosen appliances carrying energy-efficiency labels, and avoided operating multiple high-power devices simultaneously during peak hours.

Điện Biên Power Company staff promoting electricity-saving awareness among students at Him Lam Primary School.

For the family of Nguyễn Văn Hùng in Điện Biên Phủ ward, prolonged heatwaves once resulted in monthly electricity bills reaching up to VND 2 million as air conditioners operated almost continuously throughout the day. After receiving guidance from the power sector on efficient electricity use, his family adjusted their habits by setting air conditioners at 26-27°C, using electric fans in combination, and turning off appliances when not needed.

Similarly, Lò Thị Hoa’s family in Thanh Nưa commune has replaced all lighting with energy-saving LED bulbs and maximized the use of natural daylight. Unnecessary electrical appliances are switched off after use. “We save several tens of thousands of đồng on our electricity bill each month. While the amount may seem small, it becomes significant over a year. More importantly, using electricity efficiently helps reduce both household expenses and pressure on the power system,” Hoa shared.

Điện Biên province has implemented various practical programs and projects aimed at improving energy efficiency in government agencies, businesses, factories, and schools. Notable initiatives include energy audits at Hưng Long Investment and Trading Joint Stock Company; the development of an energy management model at Duyên Hùng Co., Ltd. to gradually eliminate low efficiency equipment; and energy-use optimization assessments at Điện Biên High-Tech Tunnel Brick Manufacturing Joint Stock Company.

Duyên Hùng Co., Ltd. has replaced outdated, energy-intensive machinery with modern energy-efficient equipment.

In 2026, Duyên Hùng Co., Ltd. aims to produce 9 million bricks. Amid rising input costs, the company considers electricity conservation a key solution for reducing production costs and improving operational efficiency.

Lưu Công Ruyên, Director of Duyên Hùng Co., Ltd., said: “We have reviewed our entire electricity consumption system, optimized equipment operating procedures, minimized idle operation, and strengthened monitoring of electricity use at every stage of production. We also raise employees’ awareness of energy conservation and require them to turn off equipment when not in use.”

Thanks to the implementation of synchronized measures, Điện Biên saved approximately 45.353 million kWh of electricity between 2019 and 2025, equivalent to 15.02% of annual commercial electricity consumption. Through activities supporting the Earth Hour Campaign alone, Điện Biên Power Company saved nearly 39,000 kWh. Energy-saving awareness programs in schools contributed to savings of approximately 22.7 million kWh, while campaigns conducted in villages, residential groups, and communities saved an additional 22.6 million kWh.

According to Điện Biên Power Company, prolonged hot weather has significantly increased both the intensity and duration of electricity use. Nationwide, the power system recorded a peak load of 54,654 MW on May 15, 2026, the highest level reached so far this year. Increased electricity demand may cause household electricity bills to rise sharply. Air conditioners and cooling devices alone can account for between 40% and 70% of total household electricity consumption during hot periods.

To help reduce pressure on the power grid and limit rising living expenses, Điện Biên Power Company recommends that customers use electricity efficiently. Air conditioners should be set between 26°C and 28°C and used together with electric fans to improve air circulation. Doors and windows should be kept closed while operating air conditioners, curtains should be used to block sunlight, and filters should be cleaned regularly to improve efficiency.

Employees from the Na Sang Power Branch educating local residents on how to use electricity efficiently and effectively.

Residents are also encouraged to completely switch off electrical appliances when not in use, avoid operating multiple high-power devices during peak hours, maximize the use of natural daylight, and prioritize appliances with high energy-efficiency ratings.

Under the provincial Plan for implementing the National Program on Energy Efficiency and Conservation for the 2026-2030 period, Điện Biên aims to achieve energy savings equivalent to about 7% of projected total energy consumption by 2030. The province also seeks to reduce power losses to approximately 5.5%, complete the replacement of conventional streetlights with energy-saving LED systems on major urban roads, and expand energy-efficiency models in businesses, government offices, and households.

One of the key solutions identified is strengthening public awareness and education. The province aims for 100% of schools to conduct educational activities on energy conservation and efficient energy use. Support will also be provided for energy management systems and energy audits in enterprises, the development of energy-efficient public lighting and solar-powered lighting systems, and the promotion of LED lights, solar water heaters, and high efficiency appliances among residents.

Saving electricity is the responsibility of every individual, household, organization, and business, especially during periods of extreme heat. Through small actions in daily life, people can not only reduce living expenses but also contribute to ensuring a safe and stable electricity supply, promoting efficient energy use, and supporting sustainable development.

Thu Phương
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