Sweating Out: How the Heat and Electricity Price Hike Have Left Many Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi Households in Limbo

In April, electricity bills in households in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi rose by 20-50% compared to March, with many consumers experiencing a significant increase despite keeping their homes cooler than recommended. Mr. Nhat in Nha Be district of HCMC was shocked when his electricity bill in April nearly doubled the average of previous months and increased by 30% compared to March. Meanwhile, Mr. Cao in Go Vap also felt the sting of higher electricity bills despite maintaining a moderate temperature inside his home as recommended.

The Electricity Regulatory Authority revealed that electricity consumption in April set new records, with consumption reaching nearly 1 billion kWh. The prolonged hot weather in the South led to an increase in demand for cooling equipment, leading to a surge in electricity usage. The stepped tariff system also contributed to the higher bills experienced by consumers.

The rise in electricity prices has prompted consumer frustration and calls for reforms. Experts have pointed out the disadvantages of the progressive pricing system and have proposed alternative methods of calculating electricity bills. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is considering changing the current 6-step tariff to a 5-step tariff to address some of the issues raised by consumers.

In response to rising energy costs and ongoing heat waves, consumers are being encouraged to conserve energy and adjust their electricity usage habits. Using air conditioners efficiently, choosing energy-efficient models, and regularly maintaining appliances can help reduce electricity consumption. The government and industry stakeholders are working together on solutions to address consumer challenges and ensure fair pricing in the electricity sector.

While many households were caught off guard by the sudden increase in their bills, experts advise that consumers take proactive measures to manage their energy consumption during hot weather periods. This includes turning off lights when leaving a room, unplugging chargers when not using them, and adjusting thermostats accordingly.

Overall, while high temperatures have led to an increase in demand for cooling equipment and subsequently higher electricity bills, there are steps that households can take to minimize their impact on their energy consumption costs while still staying comfortable during hot weather periods.

In conclusion, it is crucial for both consumers and industry stakeholders alike to work together towards finding sustainable solutions that benefit all parties involved while ensuring fair pricing practices within the electric sector.