In recent weeks, extreme heat across northern and central Vietnam has caused electricity consumption to spike, pushing power load to record levels.

Staff at Bac Giang Power Company inspect 110kV substation at Quang Chau industrial park.

National leaders, including the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, have issued directives urging localities to secure sufficient electricity for the summer months.

As one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing industrial hubs, Bac Giang faces serious risks if power shortages disrupt production and daily life. The province’s peak load in 2025 is projected at 1,240 MW, up 8% from last year.

However, reserve capacity in the northern grid remains limited, and unexpected failures at power plants could result in capacity shortfalls of up to 50%, forcing power cuts.

On June 2, electricity consumption in Bac Giang hit a record 1,166 MW, surpassing the 2024 peak of 1,148 MW. The surge was driven by outdoor temperatures exceeding 40°C, which also led to localized power outages.

On June 10, for example, just before power was restored to hundreds of households in Xuan Huong commune (Lang Giang district), a new fault occurred, requiring overnight repairs by power sector workers.

Bac Giang Power Company currently operates 221 medium-voltage lines spanning 4,072 km, serving customers in Bac Giang and parts of Lang Son province.

To cope with rising demand, the company has accelerated maintenance, administrative procedures and construction of new electricity projects. It has stocked up on spare parts and equipment and regularly maintains the transmission infrastructure.

Bac Giang City’s Power Unit has conducted 343 inspections since early this year, identifying and fixing technical faults. It also completed 48 maintenance sessions and rebalanced power loads by reconfiguring 45 transformers and adjusting phases in 376 distribution transformers. In addition, crews have cleared trees along power corridors to protect the grid.

The province is also pushing demand-side management. Bac Giang Power Company has signed agreements with industrial users to adjust and shift loads during peak hours, use backup generators and commit to energy-saving measures. The company monitors usage patterns to optimize grid operations.

Authorities are also promoting rooftop solar power as a practical solution to ease peak-time grid pressure. The province has supported residents and businesses in installing rooftop systems for self-consumption.

To date, more than 600 customers have installed systems with a combined capacity of nearly 15 MWp, generating over 2.6 million kWh for the grid in the first five months of 2025. Many others use solar systems off-grid, helping to reduce demand on the national network.

According to the Department of Industry and Trade, ensuring a stable and safe electricity supply during the summer peak is critical.

Viet Yen Power Unit promotes safe and efficient electricity use in My Dien 1 residential group, Nen ward, Viet Yen township.

The department has worked closely with the power sector to track the progress of investment projects, resolve bottlenecks in project implementation and speed up construction of new grid infrastructure to enhance reliability.

The provincial government has also directed departments, districts and businesses to strengthen communication about energy-saving practices.

Bac Giang is encouraging adoption of advanced energy management models in production facilities and residential areas. Public lighting systems are being upgraded to energy-efficient equipment, and smart lighting technologies are being introduced for street management.

Several localities have already deployed solar power for street lighting, billboards, and outdoor decorations. These initiatives have yielded positive early results: more public lighting points and traffic signals now use solar energy, and rural households are increasingly installing solar-powered appliances to cut electricity bills.

Bac Giang promotes to develop self-produced and self-consumed rooftop solar power

BAC GIANG - Bac Giang is a locality with rapid industrial and urban development, and the demand for electricity is increasing. In order to help reduce the load on the national power system, ensure energy security, protect the environment and promote green growth, the province has been expanding the rooftop solar power model.

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