Ensuring safe and stable power supply for the Lunar New Year 2026

According to a report by the Electricity Authority under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, 2026 marks the first year of the 2026-2030 Socio-Economic Development Plan, with electricity demand projected to continue rising. EVN and NSMO will maintain their pivotal role in operating the national power system, ensuring a safe and stable electricity supply in support of socio-economic development, national defense, security, and public welfare.

During the Lunar New Year holiday, system load is expected to decline to approximately 60-65% of normal levels, as most industrial facilities temporarily suspend operations. Under low-load conditions, localized generation surpluses may occur, potentially posing risks to voltage and frequency stability if not properly managed. NSMO has coordinated with EVN and other power units to develop detailed operational and dispatch plans for generation and grid management, with safety as the highest priority. A comprehensive review indicates that the national power system remains in a high state of readiness, capable of ensuring safe, stable, and continuous electricity supply throughout the holiday period.

At the meeting, EVN Chief Executive Officer Nguyen Anh Tuan stated that subsidiaries have formulated and implemented comprehensive plans to secure electricity supply for both production and consumption. These include supply scenarios, system operation strategies, and measures to ensure safety, security, and fire prevention. The overarching objective is to provide uninterrupted, reliable power before, during, and after the Lunar New Year.

Regarding transmission operations, the National Power Transmission Corporation and relevant units have established dedicated holiday operating plans to ensure that 500kV and 220kV interregional transmission lines operate within permissible limits, maintain adequate reserves, and remain prepared to respond to abnormal situations or system contingencies.

On system operations, NSMO Chief Executive Officer Nguyen Duc Ninh noted that holiday operating plans have been developed based on principles of safety, stability, and flexibility. These include balanced generation dispatch among regions, sufficient spinning reserves, and measures to preserve system inertia and stability. No non-essential testing activities will be conducted during the holiday period.

Commending the leadership and workforce of EVN and NSMO for their recent efforts, Acting Minister Le Manh Hung emphasized that both entities have fulfilled their mandate to ensure sufficient, stable, and secure electricity supply in support of economic growth, national defense, and public well-being.

To proactively safeguard electricity supply throughout 2026 and during the Lunar New Year, the Acting Minister urged EVN and NSMO to strictly implement directives issued by the Government, the Prime Minister, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade regarding solutions to secure electricity for production, business activities, and daily life. He also called for continued forecasting, assessment, and operational planning, along with efficient and rational mobilization of generation resources to ensure adequate power supply for major political and cultural events, particularly during the Lunar New Year period, when the system must operate under low-demand conditions with potential generation surpluses.

In addition, the units were requested to concentrate all available resources on maintaining the safe, stable, and reliable operation of the national power system, including 500-220 kV transmission networks across regions and distribution grids nationwide. Enhanced operational monitoring and staffing are required to promptly address any potential incidents, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply at critical times.

Acting Minister Le Manh Hung underscored that system operations must maintain voltage and frequency within permissible limits and remain ready to respond to electrical contingencies, especially given that demand during the holiday is forecast to be lower than usual, with surplus generation conditions potentially posing operational risks. He stressed the importance of heightened vigilance, close coordination between dispatch centers and power units, precise remote operations, and strict adherence to shift-duty protocols.

The Acting Minister also urged the leadership of EVN and NSMO to pay due attention to the material and spiritual well-being of employees assigned to on-duty operations during the upcoming traditional holiday.

On the occasion of the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026, on behalf of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Acting Minister Le Manh Hung extended his New Year wishes to all officers and employees of EVN and NSMO, expressing hopes for a safe, joyful, and prosperous year ahead, and encouraging them to uphold solidarity, overcome challenges, and successfully fulfill the tasks entrusted by the Party and the State.