HCMC – National electricity demand has soared to new highs this year as hot weather hits the country, according to the National System and Market Operator (NSMO).
NSMO reported that peak national power demand reached 52,487 MW at 4:10 p.m. on May 13, equal to 95.5% of the 2025 peak level. Peak demand in northern Vietnam reached 24,893 MW, while the south recorded 23,261 MW, the highest level since the start of the year and 4.6% above the previous record, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
Daily electricity consumption nationwide rose to 1.103 billion kWh, setting another record for 2026 and reaching 99.2% of the highest level recorded in 2025.
Northern Vietnam consumed about 510 million kWh, accounting for 46.2% of total demand. The central region used 107 million kWh, while southern Vietnam consumed 486 million kWh, or 44.1% of the national total.
Electricity demand in the central and southern regions also reached record highs in 2026. Consumption in the central region equaled 93.1% of the 2025 peak, while southern demand exceeded last year’s record by 6.9%.
Coal-fired power remained the largest source of electricity generation, producing 588.6 million kWh, or 53.4% of total output. Hydropower generated 286.7 million kWh, accounting for 26%.
Gas-fired plants produced 90.2 million kWh, or 8.2% of total generation. NSMO noted that gas supplies in southeastern Vietnam were operating at maximum capacity, with daily consumption amounting to about 10 million cubic meters.
Renewable energy output also remained high. Solar power generated 53.4 million kWh, while rooftop solar systems produced an estimated 43.9 million kWh. Wind power contributed 20.2 million kWh and biomass power generated 4.7 million kWh.
NSMO said that the rise in electricity demand had been forecast before the April 30-May 1 holiday period as the dry season began.
The operator also warned that another severe heatwave could affect Hanoi, the Red River Delta and north-central provinces between May 25 and May 30, with temperatures expected to exceed 37 degrees Celsius.
NSMO urged households and businesses to use electricity more efficiently and expand rooftop solar generation to help reduce pressure on the national grid.
