In April, electricity bills in households in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi surged by 20-50% compared to March, leaving many consumers shocked. Mr. Nhat in Nha Be district of HCMC was particularly hit hard when his bill nearly doubled the average of previous months and increased by 30% compared to March. This was a record high for him since he started using electricity in his house.
The heatwave in April caused a significant increase in electricity consumption across both cities, with many households turning on their air conditioners despite maintaining temperatures above 26-28 degrees Celsius as recommended. The surge in usage led to an unprecedented demand for electricity that set new records, with consumption nearly reaching 1 billion kWh.
The Electricity Regulatory Authority attributed the high electricity bills to the increased demand for cooling equipment due to the hot weather and the progressive pricing system in place. Experts have pointed out the disadvantages of this pricing structure and have proposed alternative methods of calculating electricity bills. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is currently considering changing the current six-step tariff to a five-step tariff to address some of these issues raised by consumers.
However, many consumers remain frustrated with the current pricing structure and have called for reforms. Proper use of air conditioners, choosing energy-efficient models, and regular maintenance of appliances can help reduce electricity consumption and lower bills. The government and industry stakeholders are working on solutions to address consumer challenges and ensure fair pricing in the electricity sector.
In conclusion, while increasing electricity bills are not ideal for consumers, they can take steps to mitigate their impact on their finances by using energy-efficient appliances and adjusting their energy usage habits during heatwaves or other extreme weather conditions.