PM Pham Minh Chinh (standing) chairs the meeting on power supply on October 28. (Photo: VNA) Reporting at the meeting with permanent Government members onOctober 28, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) said power supply duringthe first 10 months of 2023 have been basically guaranteed, but power shortagesoccurred at certain points of time in late May and early June due to abnormallylow water levels, extreme heat, and suddenly surged and prolonged electricitydemand.
Total power output and import are estimated at 280.6 billion kWhin 2023, up 4.6% from last year and equivalent to 98.6% of the plan, the MoIT noted.
Toserve socio-economic development in 2024, power consumption may increase 6 - 8.96%.The power system is capable of meeting demand in most scenarios. However, in theworst-case one, if electricity demand surges and water levels are low, thenorthern region may face power shortages, the MoIT predicted.
Atthe meeting, leaders of ministries, sectors, and deputy prime ministersdiscussed scenarios and proposed solutions to ensure power supply forsocio-economic development next year.
PMChinh held that the country doesn’t lack electricity for socio-economicdevelopment in 2023, but shortcomings in the operation of sources have led toshortages in certain areas and at certain points of time.
For 2024 and beyond, it is necessary to build scenarios, monitorand examine the operations of power sources, and ensure sufficient materials suchas water, coal and gas for power generation, he noted.
In particular, he added, ministries and sectors must provide conditionsfor maximising domestic coal sources, and only import coal when domesticsources are not enough. They need to ensure water stored at reservoirs issufficient for both agriculture and hydropower generation; mobilise renewableenergy sources in a way that harmonises interests among people, businesses andthe State; fully capitalise on gas-fired power plants; and consider electricityimport when necessary.
The Government leader also gave directions in terms of electricitytransmission, distribution, and use.
He told ministries and sectors to consider adjusting powerprices in an appropriate manner that takes into account related expenses,inflation, and different groups of users./.
VNA
