Vietnam is currently experiencing a significant surge in electricity demand due to a persistent heatwave, leading to increased power transmission from the Central and Southern regions to the North. According to the National System Operator (NSMO), as of 1:50 PM on June 24, the national electricity consumption reached approximately 58,456 MW, marking the highest level recorded this year.

The Northern region reported a record electricity usage, with temperatures soaring to between 35-38 degrees Celsius, and in some areas, exceeding 38 degrees. Specifically, at 10:15 PM on June 24, the electricity consumption in the North reached 30,209 MW, surpassing the 30,000 MW threshold for the first time. This figure represents a 14.2% increase compared to the same period last year and is 7.2% higher than the peak level recorded in 2025.

On that day, the total electricity consumption reached around 630 million kWh, accounting for more than half of the total national output. To meet the rising electricity demand in the North, the NSMO coordinated with the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) and Power Transmission Company No. 1 to operate the transmission lines linking the regions and increase power transmission from the Central and Southern areas.

The North-South interconnection system currently consists of four 500 kV transmission lines, with the first two lines operational since 1994 and 2005. The third line, connecting Quang Trach to Pho Noi, is expected to be completed and energized in 2024. During peak heat days, the four 500 kV lines are estimated to supply nearly 20% of the electricity needed in the North.

As the demand continues to rise, the NSMO is closely monitoring and inspecting equipment while deploying operational teams to ensure the safety and continuity of the transmission system. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting predicts that temperatures in the Northern region will remain high, ranging from 37 to 40 degrees Celsius, with some areas exceeding 40 degrees. The heatwave is expected to persist in regions from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang and in the eastern provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak for several more days.

With the prolonged high temperatures and low humidity, electricity demand is projected to increase further. The NSMO forecasts that the maximum electricity consumption in the North on June 25 could rise by an additional 1,000-1,500 MW, reaching around 31,000-32,000 MW. If this occurs, it will set a new record, surpassing the previous high of 30,209 MW recorded on June 24.

To ensure supply, in addition to increasing electricity transmission to the North, the sector is implementing various technical solutions, such as enhancing transformer cooling, increasing transmission capacity, and optimizing grid operation methods. The NSMO is also mobilizing approximately 350 small hydropower plants with a total capacity of around 3,300 MW during peak hours to supplement the electricity supply.

Furthermore, electricity companies in the North are intensifying energy-saving programs, adjusting consumption demands, and advising residents to limit the use of high-power devices during peak evening hours. The NSMO has noted that electricity systems worldwide also face significant pressure during extreme heatwaves. For instance, in France, the heatwave on June 23-24 caused an additional demand of approximately 12 GW compared to normal weather conditions, leading to power outages affecting over 100,000 customers at various times.