Electricity prices apply to the right subjects, right purposes of use
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has just issued Circular No. 60/2025/TT-BCT regulating the implementation of electricity prices, aiming to create a unified legal corridor for applying electricity prices to each customer group, each purpose of use and each supply of electricity, while clearly defining the responsibilities of the parties in the electricity purchase and sale relationship.
The subjects of application are agencies, organizations and individuals buying and selling electricity from the national power system in areas connected to the national power grid; in rural areas, mountainous areas, border areas, islands in areas not connected to the national power grid and related agencies, organizations and individuals.
According to the Circular, electricity prices must be applied to the right subjects and for the right purposes of use. Electricity buyers are responsible for honestly declaring the purpose of use, in case of change, they must notify the seller at least 15 days in advance. If the purpose of causing damage is incorrect, both parties are responsible for collecting or refunding the difference within a maximum period of 12 months or more, and have the right to request compensation according to the provisions of law and contract.
In case a point of electricity use serves many different purposes, how to calculate electricity output when changing prices, as well as the requirement to finalize the metric index when there is an adjustment to the electricity price. Electricity prices are determined according to three levels of electricity including high pressure, medium pressure and low pressure; the super high pressure level applies the price of the 220 kV level.
Regarding the form of electricity price based on the time of use per day, the Circular clearly defines peak, normal and low time frames. Production and business units with specialized transformers of 25 kVA or more or electricity output of 2,000 kWh/month or more are subject to the mandatory three-prison method.
In case of refusal to install a tri-priced meter, after two notices, customers may be subject to peak hour prices for all consumed products.
Charging stations and charging stations of electric vehicles must install separate meters
Notably, according to Circular 60, stations, charging stations, and electric vehicle battery exchange cabinets for business must install separate meters and apply prices according to charging purposes. If the electric vehicle is charged in the household electricity contract, the household electricity price will still apply.
For household electricity, the Circular stipulates that each household using electricity at a point is subject to a standard. In case many households use the same meter, the rate is multiplied by the number of households. Collective housing areas, dormitories, housing for workers, students, and tenants are calculated according to the number of people, every four people are counted as one household.
The Circular also limits the responsibility of the landlord, not to collect electricity bills from tenants exceeding the invoices issued by the power unit.
