Vietnam targets a 3,000 MW reduction in northern peak electricity demand

Vietnam’s industry and trade minister has called for demand management to reduce peak electricity load in the north by at least about 3,000 megawatts in 2027. Lê Mạnh Hùng made the request at a 7 November meeting on operating the national power system and securing supply in 2027–2028, the Government News reported.

Managing peak demand

The meeting connected officials from 34 provinces and cities with regulators, the national system operator and energy companies. The minister urged more efficient electricity use in production, business and homes, particularly during peak hours.

The 3,000 MW figure is a target for peak capacity reduction, not a saving already achieved. A report to the meeting said electricity demand could grow by around 10% in 2027 from an already high 2026 base, while some baseload projects need further investment time before operation.

The report estimated 2026 system-wide electricity generation and imports at 356.2 billion kilowatt-hours, up 10.3% from the preceding year. That is a full-year estimate rather than final annual data. The system’s recorded peak load reached 57,537 MW in June 2026.

Reservoirs, fuel and capacity

The minister asked the system operator and electricity authorities to work with agriculture and environment agencies and localities to store as much water as possible in hydropower reservoirs through the end of 2026 and retain water through March 2027. They must also prepare plans for downstream water use, balancing power generation with production and household needs.

Other requests include coordinating coal, gas and oil supplies with the operating plan, preparing fuel reserves and accelerating priority generation and grid projects. Authorities were also asked to review battery storage investment and promote rooftop solar at industrial parks, large customers and public buildings.

The system operator is to prepare scenarios for the dry-season peak, accounting for available generating capacity and possible equipment failures. These are planning measures, not a guarantee against interruptions.