Coordinated rollout of four core solutions to ensure electricity supply in 2026

Although demand during the peak months of the dry season is forecast to rise by as much as 14.1%, the Ministry of Industry and Trade says it is determined not to allow electricity shortages in 2026. It is implementing a coordinated set of measures, including optimal dispatch of generation sources, demand-side adjustment, and comprehensive electricity saving efforts.

At the Government’s regular press briefing in March 2026, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan reiterated the Party, State, and Government’s resolve that there will be no electricity shortages, emphasizing “absolute guarantees.”

Planning for 2026 system operation

To prepare for 2026 system operation, the Ministry approved the operating method in Decision 3477/QD-BCT dated 28 November 2025. The plan includes contingency scenarios with load growth up to 14.1% for the peak dry-season months.

Forecasts for April 2026 indicate electricity growth of around 6.07% year-on-year. For the full year, total electricity produced and imported by the national system is expected to reach about 350 billion kWh, up 7.92% compared with 2025.

In Q1 2026, the system operated stably with load growth of 6.5% year-on-year, and electricity supply was ensured, Tan said.

Key constraints and challenges

Despite the preparation, the Ministry noted several constraints that need to be addressed. Planning and dispatch are affected by the El Niño phenomenon. The energy mix also has a high share of renewable energy, while fuel supply for generation is challenging.

Hydropower reservoirs must simultaneously meet multiple objectives—generation, downstream water release, drought control, and flood regulation. The Ministry said these risks could lead to insufficient capacity during peak periods, particularly in the dry season.

Accordingly, the Ministry requires relevant units to proactively build plans to supply coal, gas, and oil reserves for extreme situations, and to ensure there are no power supply interruptions due to subjective factors.

Four priority groups of solutions

To ensure electricity supply, the Ministry is focusing on four priority groups of solutions:

1. Develop plans to optimally mobilize generation sources, especially hydropower (including small hydro) during peak hours to meet demand. In addition, instruct power corporations to strengthen the grid, ensure adequate manpower and materials to quickly handle anomalies and incidents, and avoid grid operations that reduce supply during hot periods (except in cases of incidents).

2. Require North region distribution companies, especially those serving the North and Hanoi, to coordinate with enterprises to adjust electricity demand, shift load, and use on-site standby generation during peak hours.

3. Promote energy conservation in households, agencies, and businesses. Measures include turning off unused devices, keeping air conditioning at 26°C, and changing electricity usage habits to avoid peak windows from 14:00 to 17:00 and 19:00 to 23:00.

4. Enhance public communication and implement Demand Management programs. The Ministry asks media to continue promoting energy saving and rational energy use, and to implement measures to use water releases from hydropower reservoirs to serve national production and domestic use.