HCMC – More than 3.2 million households across Vietnam consumed at least 30% more electricity in August than in July, according to Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN).
Initial checks found no errors in power bills despite public concerns over sudden spikes. EVN said the figure represents over 10% of its 31.88 million household customers nationwide. The increase coincided with severe heat in northern and central Vietnam, especially in early August, when power demand in the north hit an all-time high on August 4.
Customer care centers and social media monitoring recorded over 500 complaints about higher bills. EVN said these cases were promptly reviewed and clarified. In August alone, the Northern Power Corporation’s call center received over 171,000 calls, with peak loads during hot days causing delays in handling inquiries.
The utility noted that many online complaints lacked verifiable customer details, while some posts were deemed inaccurate or intended for social media engagement and sales promotion.
EVN also pointed out that some complaints came from users buying electricity through retail distributors, not directly from EVN. These intermediaries often rely on mechanical meters and manual readings, which are more prone to human error compared to EVN’s widespread use of electronic meters with remote data collection.
Vietnam currently has 521 retail distributors, including 481 in the north. EVN said nearly all of its direct customers now use electronic meters, which significantly reduces the risks of billing mistakes.
The company stressed that no irregularities have been detected so far, but added that reviews of customer feedback on August billing are still ongoing.
