Clarifying the reason for the sharp increase in electricity bills in June

Why is it not another time when the hot season regulates electricity prices?

In Hanoi and many northern provinces, many people complained about the sudden increase in electricity bills in June compared to normal. On social networking forums, many people reported an increase in electricity bills of 20-50%.

One of the reasons for the sudden increase in electricity bills compared to last month is because Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) has increased retail electricity prices to VND 2,204.06/kWh (excluding VAT), equivalent to an increase of 4.8%, applied from May 10.

According to EVN's calculation, with an increase of 4.8% in electricity prices, each household will have to pay an additional 4,350 - 62,150 VND/month. However, the price increase during the peak of hot weather, high demand for electricity - while the retail price list is calculated according to the progressive steps - has caused people's electricity bills to skyrocket, becoming a burden for people, especially those with low incomes.

Mr. Pham Duy Dinh (a rental worker in Vinh Thanh commune, Hanoi) said that his family currently does not use a TV, and often turn off the power to save electricity. However, cooling equipment and electronics such as washing machines, air conditioners, hot and cold containers, electric fans, electric kitchens, etc. are mandatory. Every month in the summer, a family of 4 has to pay 700,000-800,000 VND for electricity.

For the past three months, the company has had few jobs, he only worked for 15 days, and had 15 days off the remaining 15 days/month; receiving 80% of his basic salary. His wife works as a worker in Quang Minh Industrial Park, receiving a salary according to the product.

"Our income is not guaranteed, while my husband and I have a lot to cover. As for the rent alone, I have to pay 1.5 million VND per month for 2 rooms. For workers, increasing costs by more than VND will increase their burden. I really hope that workers renting a room will be calculated according to the normal household electricity price, and at the same time enjoy the appropriate electricity price" said Mr. Dinh.

"I think it is strange, why not adjust the electricity price at another time, but only adjust it when the hot season comes, the demand for electricity increases? The 4.8% increase is not much at first glance, but when you add rent, water bills... you will see that fixed expenses have increased, forcing many families to wear tight belts," Mr. Nguyen Hong - Tay Mo ward, Hanoi city wondered.

Reasons for increased electricity bills

The Northern Power Corporation (EVNNPC) said that June every year is often the peak of the hot season, and this year, the Northern region has experienced 3 severe heat waves, lasting over a wide area with temperatures reaching over 40°C at times.

Extreme weather conditions not only greatly affect daily life but also cause the demand for electricity, especially household electricity, to increase dramatically - leading to a sharp increase in electricity bills of many households, causing public concern.

According to the Northern Power Corporation, in June 2025, commercial electricity output in 27 northern provinces and cities (excluding Hanoi) reached 9.85 billion kWh - the highest among distribution corporations under EVN.

In particular, on June 2, electricity consumption output set a record of 373.6 million kWh in a day, while peak capacity reached 17,400 MW at 13:15 and 18,084 MW at 22:00 respectively - increasing to 684 MW in less than 9 hours. These figures show that prolonged hot weather has strongly affected people's electricity use behavior.

Having students spend their summer vacation at home also causes the time to use air conditioners, fans, and refrigerators to continuously last all day and night.

Notably, when the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors is too large, cooling equipment is forced to operate at higher capacity to maintain efficiency, leading to a spike in electricity consumption even though the usage time remains unchanged.

Before the forecast of continued hot weather, the Northern Power Corporation recommends that people practice solutions to use electricity economically and effectively. Accordingly, small changes in daily habits can bring clear cost effectivity - especially during peak hours (13:0015:00 and 20:0023:00).

Prioritize the use of electrical equipment with energy-saving labels; adjust air conditioners to 2628°C, combined with cooling fans; take advantage of natural daylight; turn off electrical equipment when not in use.

In the long term, installing rooftop solar power will help households and businesses proactively source electricity, significantly reduce costs, and contribute to the implementation of the goal of developing renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions according to the Government's orientation.