Delay in new electricity time-based pricing scheme

The Electricity Authority (under the Ministry of Industry and Trade) noted that the newly regulated peak, off-peak, and normal hours of the national power system will not be applied immediately, but will be implemented once the average retail electricity price is adjusted.

This information was outlined in an official document sent by the Authority to Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and its power corporations regarding the implementation of daily electricity usage timeframes.

Previously, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Decision No. 963 dated April 22, stipulating electricity usage timeframes. Accordingly, peak hours are set from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, applicable from Monday to Saturday, with no peak hours on Sundays.

Normal hours from Monday to Saturday include two periods: from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM and from 10:30 PM to midnight; on Sundays, they apply from 6:00 AM to midnight. Off-peak hours are from midnight to 6:00 AM on all days of the week.

Although Decision No. 963 took effect upon signing, the Electricity Authority emphasized that the implementation of the new timeframes will coincide with the nearest adjustment of the average retail electricity price, as stipulated in Decision No. 14/2025 by the Prime Minister.

Currently, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is reviewing and revising relevant legal regulations to establish the basis for implementing the new timeframes, expected during the dry season of 2026.

The Electricity Authority has requested EVN to direct its subsidiaries and provincial/city power companies to strengthen communication with electricity users, especially those subject to time-of-use pricing.

At the same time, these units are required to prepare personnel, materials, and equipment to update and reconfigure meters, ensuring synchronized implementation once the new regulations officially take effect.

Hai Phong News