Many Power-Grid Projects in Can Tho Delayed by Land Clearance Issues

Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) said many power transmission projects in the 500–220kV and 110kV ranges have fallen behind schedule due to land clearance issues, difficulties in agreeing on routing and substation locations, and overlaps with other planning. EVN linked the delays to risks for electricity supply needed to support the region’s economic and social development.

On March 4, the Can Tho People’s Committee (UBND Can Tho) held a working session with EVN to discuss electricity supply for the city and the implementation of power infrastructure projects.

Can Tho power demand and sales performance

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Le Hoang Thang, General Director of Can Tho Power Company, said that as of March 2026 the company manages more than 1.1 million customers, up nearly 5,000 compared with the end of 2025. In the first three months of 2026, Can Tho’s commercial electricity sales reached over 1,508 million kWh, equivalent to nearly 22% of the year’s plan and up about 1.5% year-on-year.

Thang said electricity demand in the area is rising as the city pursues two-digit economic growth and attracts investors. The company proposed that the city direct the Industrial Park Management Board and large electricity-consuming customers to provide complete monthly demand information—especially customers consuming over 1 million kWh per year—so the company can develop appropriate electricity-supply plans and long-term strategies.

Rising costs and peak-hour supply risks

During the hot summer season, and amid regional tensions in the Middle East affecting energy security—particularly for thermal power—electricity production costs are increasing. Can Tho Power Company asked the city to direct energy savings and efficient use.

The company also warned that in peak summer months (June, July, and August), there could be a risk of capacity shortages during peak hours if fuel supply to power plants is not ensured.

EVN’s assessment of grid delays and cost outlook

EVN projected that nationwide electricity production costs will increase by 8,000–44,000 billion dong in the remaining months of the year, depending on scenarios.

For Can Tho, EVN said delays are concentrated in many 500–220kV and 110kV grid projects, which have slowed due to land clearance constraints and challenges in finalizing line routes and substation locations, as well as overlaps with other planning. EVN said these issues significantly affect electricity supply.

Measures requested from local authorities

EVN asked Can Tho City People’s Committee to promptly implement mapping and demarcate circuit directions for lines and transformers from 110kV upward in the area. EVN also requested continued support and facilitation for compensation clearance, and that land be allocated for projects included in the annual land-use planning, with public disclosure to help projects proceed.

Mr. Cao Quang Quynh, a member of EVN’s Board of Members, said EVN has implemented measures to maintain grid stability and ensure reliable electricity supply in the city. He noted that rooftop solar capacity in Can Tho remains modest (over 300 MW) and recommended promoting rooftop solar development to reduce pressure on the national grid and lower the cost of using higher-priced energy sources.

Mr. Vuong Quoc Nam, Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People’s Committee, urged relevant departments—especially the Department of Natural Resources and Environment—to direct the Land Development Center to focus on land clearance for grid projects. He also called for stronger coordination between the Department of Industry and Trade and power-sector units to promptly resolve difficulties in project deployment, alongside campaigns for energy conservation and renewable energy development given the area’s potential.

Transmission and distribution projects under Power Plan VIII

Under the adjusted Power Plan VIII and Can Tho’s local plan, EVN and related units are implementing six transmission projects: four at 500kV, two at 220kV, and four at 110kV. The projects aim for completion in the 2026–2030 period to serve the region’s economic and social development needs.

Total investment is estimated at about 20,700 billion dong, including 7,700 billion dong for the transmission grid and 13,000 billion dong for the distribution grid.