The Prime Minister orders enough electricity for socio-economic development

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, chairing a meeting in Hanoi on May 23, ordered sufficient power supply for production and daily operations, especially during the peak season.

Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, chairing a meeting in Hanoi on May 23, ordered sufficient power supply for production and daily operations, especially during the peak season.

As the economy has recovered well, demand for materials and fuels, including electricity, is growing, he added, with energy demand expected to increase by 9% in 2024. However, there was a time when it increased by as much as 17% in the first quarter.

Appreciating the progress of the 500 kV Circuit-3 transmission line project, which stretches 519 km from central Quang Trach Province in Quang Binh to northern Hung Yen Pho Noi Province, Prime Minister Chinh emphasized the importance of the project for society’s economic development, especially when extreme heat will hit large parts of the country in June and July.

He asked the ministries, sectors and municipalities to continue to attach importance to the project, promote efficient coordination of the production, transportation and installation of power poles, expedite construction works at the construction site and import of materials and equipment, while mobilizing resources and vehicles for the project.

The government leader ordered relevant parties to closely monitor the construction work and make concerted efforts to improve quality, as well as ensure safety, environmental hygiene and the legitimate rights of local residents, stressing that the transmission line must be put into operation before June 30.

While the national power grid will be able to cope with socio-economic development, Prime Minister Chinh asked them to closely monitor the situation and take action in response to possible scenarios.

It is necessary to diversify energy sources, prepare fuels for electricity generation and ensure appropriate water levels in reservoirs for energy and agricultural production as well as flood prevention, he said, adding that efforts should be intensified to complete and issue documents regarding the development of wind and solar energy. power in the spirit of harmonized benefits and common risks.

He further stated that electricity prices must be rationally set to mobilize all resources for energy development, as well as to ensure affordability for residents and businesses and the resilience of the economy, adding that communication work must be improved to raise public awareness of the safe and efficient use electric energy.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade and EVN, electricity consumption from January to May was approximately 124.1 billion kWh, up 12.1% year-on-year. At the end of April, the national maximum power reached 47,600 MW, with an average daily consumption of 987.39 million kWh, which means an increase of 13.2% and 6.87% compared to the same period last year./.