EVN leaders reprimanded for power shortage in the North

According to the Vice Chairman of the State Capital Management Committee at Enterprises, a Deputy General Director of EVN and a leader of the National Power System Dispatch Center were reprimanded for causing a power shortage in the North.

The information was announced by Mr. Ho Sy Hung, Vice Chairman of the State Capital Management Committee at Enterprises, at the Government press conference on the afternoon of November 4.

Previously, according to the conclusion of the electricity supply inspection by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, EVN and a number of units violated a number of contents, affecting the supply and shortage of electricity in the 2023 dry season, such as slow investment in completing a number of power sources and grids. This group also failed to ensure the reserve of primary materials, regulate the power system and balance power sources; violated the direction of operation and scheduling, causing widespread disruption of electricity supply in the Northern region.

Mr. Hung assessed that EVN correctly implemented the inspection conclusion, with serious and appropriate disciplinary action.

Accordingly, EVN has reviewed 24 units in the group, 85 collectives, and 161 individuals involved. In particular, the group clarified the responsibility for disciplining a number of personnel under its management authority, including a reprimand for a Deputy General Director in charge of power system dispatching. The Director and two Deputy Directors of the National Power System Dispatching Center (A0) were also subject to disciplinary reprimand. Currently, the review and disciplinary process has been implemented in accordance with central regulations and is basically complete.

Regarding the disciplinary case of the former Chairman of EVN and the Board of Members and General Director of EVN, Mr. Hung said that the Capital Management Committee at enterprises is reporting to the Government, due to exceeding its authority.

Mr. Ho Sy Hung, Vice Chairman of the State Capital Management Committee at Enterprises, answered at the Government press conference on the afternoon of November 4. Photo: Nhat Bac — Mr. Ho Sy Hung, Vice Chairman of the State Capital Management Committee at Enterprises, answered at the Government press conference on the afternoon of November 4. Photo: *Nhat Bac*

On the side of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan said that the ministry also reviewed and clarified the responsibilities of individuals and units under the ministry related to the inspection conclusion. The leaders of the Ministry of Industry and Trade affirmed that they will continue to coordinate with the Committee and EVN to overcome the consequences and avoid repeating the mistakes pointed out in the conclusion.

From late May to mid-June, the North often suffered from power outages. The reason was that electricity consumption increased sharply while hydropower, one of the two main sources of supply, was reduced in mobilization due to drought. Many businesses with factories in the northern industrial zones were therefore cut off from electricity for many hours, continuously during the week.

The World Bank estimates that the economic cost of the power outages in May and June was about $1.4 billion, equivalent to 0.3% of GDP. On the other hand, based on the estimated supply shortage until June, the World Bank estimates that unmet energy demand will also lead to a loss of revenue for Vietnam Electricity Group of about $75 million.

Also at the press conference, answering questions about electricity supply , Mr. Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan said that to provide enough electricity at the end of 2023 and 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Trade reported to the Prime Minister a number of solutions.

Specifically, ensuring the supply of input fuels such as coal, gas, and oil for electricity production and speeding up the investment progress in constructing power grid projects, especially the 500kV Quang Trach line, and optimally regulating the operation of the power system.

"It is necessary to promote investment in building rooftop power systems and urgently review and submit for promulgation the 8th Power Plan," said Mr. Tan.

The ministry said it has asked EVN to improve forecasts and develop scenarios to deal with extreme signals, ensuring sufficient electricity supply for economic development and people's lives.

Mr. Tran Van Son, Minister and Chairman of the Government Office, informed more at the Government Standing Committee meeting last week about solutions to ensure enough electricity for production and business in the last 3 months of 2023 and 2024, the Prime Minister requested that there be no power shortage in any situation. Leaders of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, EVN, PVN and TKV also affirmed that they will ensure it, so "we can rest assured that there will be enough electricity for production and consumption".

Regarding electricity prices, the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade said, they are being managed according to Decision 24, in which the average retail electricity price is calculated based on the costs of stages in the electricity production and supply process such as generation, transmission, distribution, and support services.

In case the average retail electricity price increases by more than 3%, the electricity price will be adjusted up, and vice versa. Currently, the Ministry is submitting to the Prime Minister for decision to amend Decision 24 to make the roadmap for adjusting the price of this item more suitable.

Mr. Minh

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