VietNamNet Bridge – EVN Ha Noi Vice General Director Vu Quang Hung announced yesterday, Jan 17, that there would no power cuts in the capital during the Tet holiday from January 23 to February 7, except in unforeseen circumstances.

Although the demand had increased by 20 to 25 per cent because of the cold weather, it was still much lower than in the summer, he said.

The company had reportedly finished examining its power station network as well as fire prevention and control measures.

HCM Power Company also committed to maintaining a constant supply from January 31 to February 7.

The company said that recent power cuts in the city were to allow repair work to be carried out, not because of a power shortage.

According to Hoa Binh Hydroelectrical Plant director Nguyen Van Thanh, Hoa Binh Reservoir's water level early this month was at around 99 metres, nearly 20 metres lower than last year, resulting in a reduction of about 600 million kWh.

A recent report by the Ministry of Industry and Trade said that a power shortage was likely between March and June if water levels remained low.

The ministry asked EVN to make plans to reduce the power supply, so both urban and rural areas would face rotational power cuts.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News