The National System and Market Operation Company Limited (NSMO) has released its report on power system operations and the electricity market for week 15, covering April 6 to 12. According to the agency, widespread heat has driven electricity demand to unprecedented levels this year.

Average daily electricity consumption nationwide during working days from April 6 to 10 reached 1.074 billion kWh, up sharply by 9.5% compared to the previous week.

The national power system’s peak capacity hit 52,225 MW at 15:25, marking a new high for 2026. In the northern region alone, peak demand reached 24,440 MW.

Total daily electricity output also set a new record at 1.092 billion kWh. Previously, consumption had approached 1.005 billion kWh on March 31 and 1.078 billion kWh on April 7.

Coal dominates, rooftop solar rises

On April 8, the power generation mix reflected a continued reliance on traditional sources. Hydropower accounted for 18.5%, while coal-fired thermal power dominated with 58.7%. Gas turbines contributed 9.6%, biomass 0.5%, wind power 2%, utility-scale solar 5.1%, rooftop solar 4.3%, and other sources 1.3%.

Rooftop solar generation reached 47.1 million kWh, maintaining its position as the fifth-largest power source in the system. It significantly outpaced wind power at 22.2 million kWh and trailed utility-scale solar by just 8.7 million kWh.

Despite electricity demand consistently exceeding 1 billion kWh per day and setting new records, NSMO confirmed that the national power system has continued to operate safely and stably. Power sources have been dispatched optimally to ensure uninterrupted supply, even under widespread heat conditions. Voltage levels and equipment loading have remained within permitted operational limits.

Preparing for peak season pressures

Looking ahead to week 16, NSMO forecasts that electricity demand will remain high but may ease slightly as weather conditions shift between heat and thunderstorms.

According to Vietnam Electricity (EVN), the second quarter marks the peak of the hot season, when industrial production and electricity consumption typically surge, particularly in industrial zones.

At the same time, the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and electric vehicles is adding further pressure to electricity demand, especially in major urban centers.

EVN has therefore instructed its units to implement comprehensive measures to ensure stable power supply, develop operational plans for various scenarios, and work with large electricity consumers to adjust demand during peak periods in the dry season.

Coordination with NSMO will also be strengthened to improve demand forecasting and assess the impact of distributed energy sources, particularly self-produced and self-consumed rooftop solar, as well as the growing adoption of electric vehicles.

In parallel, efforts to promote energy efficiency and conservation will be intensified. Investment in battery energy storage systems (BESS) within distribution grids is being prioritized, especially in northern Vietnam.

EVN has also urged households and businesses to use electricity more efficiently, avoiding the simultaneous use of high-capacity appliances during peak hours to reduce the risk of system overload and lower electricity costs.

Tam An