Proactively supplying electricity to meet economic growth targets

In 2026 and the period through 2030, Dong Nai province aims to achieve double-digit economic growth. Among the key infrastructure pillars to support this goal, energy security plays a crucial role.

The 110kV substation project supplying electricity to Long Thanh Airport will be completed and put into operation by the end of 2026. Photo: Hoang Loc

To proactively secure power sources for socio-economic development, in mid-January, Provincial Party Committee member and Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang approved the 2026 electricity supply plan.

Two plans and three scenarios to respond to all situations

Dong Nai is a locality with a very high electricity demand. In 2026, the province forecasts consumption of more than 20.8 billion kWh, an increase of nearly 3 percent compared to 2025. To meet this demand, the 2026 electricity supply plan outlines two load balancing and reduction measures, along with three response scenarios tailored to different levels of power shortage.

Regarding load balancing and regulation, in case the national power system faces a shortage of sources, Dong Nai Power Company (Dong Nai PC) will prioritize electricity saving measures and demand management; maximize the mobilization of power from small hydropower plants and rooftop solar power; and negotiate with large customers on rotating load shedding plans or adjusting production schedules during peak hours.

In 2026, the province's total commercial electricity output is forecast to exceed 20.8 billion kWh. Of this, consumption in January and February is expected to be below 1.5 billion kWh; in April, May, and August, above 1.8 billion kWh; and in the remaining months, over 1.7 billion kWh.

If the above-mentioned measures have been implemented and electricity consumption still exceeds the allocated threshold, Dong Nai PC will carry out electricity reduction based on the following principles: giving priority to critical loads approved by the Provincial People's Committee; implementing rotational load shedding without prolonged outages in any one area; and ensuring timely and complete notification to customers.

Regarding this year's electricity supply management scenarios, the Provincial People's Committee requested the power sector to develop 3 scenarios. Under normal conditions, electricity supply will be carried out according to annual, monthly, and weekly plans, ensuring safety for production and daily life.

When there is an imbalance between supply and demand in the Southern power system, or a national power system shortage (short-term), Dong Nai PC will, based on the system status, transfer load and prioritize power supply to prominent loads; and implement emergency load shedding orders when requested by the National Load Dispatch Centre (A0) or Southern Regional Load Dispatch Center (A2).

In case of an imbalance between supply and demand in the Southern power system, or a national power system shortage (long-term), Dong Nai PC will develop an appropriate electricity supply plan and implement solutions such as negotiating to shift peak-hour loads; implementing load adjustment programs; mobilizing on-site backup Diesel generators; and reducing load according to the approved plan.

The Provincial People's Committee's approval of load regulation plans and scenarios to address all situations aims to ensure the safe and stable operation of the power grid, protect business production activities, and maintain a stable life for the people. This initiative is also a measure to create a solid foundation for socio-economic growth this year and in the coming period.

Ensuring energy for a growth phase of 10% or more

2026 marks the first year of the five-year socio-economic development plan, coinciding with the launch of Long Thanh Airport and several new industrial parks. Along with ongoing improvements to regional transport infrastructure, the province has identified its role as a logistics and trade hub in the South. This context requires not only an adequate electricity supply but also stable energy security to support economic development and daily life.

According to Truong Dinh Quoc, Director of Dong Nai PC, based on actual operations in 2025 and projected demand for 2026, the power sector has developed a supply assurance plan, along with investment, repair, and modernization plans for the power grid. In parallel, multiple solutions are being implemented to enhance service quality in support of the province’s socio-economic development.

Regarding the operation plan, Dong Nai PC will review the list of critical customers and submit it to the Provincial People's Committee for approval; work with major customers on load profiles; and develop response plans for power shortages and extreme conditions during the dry season. The company will also continue implementing load adjustment programs, electricity demand management, and load shifting agreements, while striving to meet the Government’s minimum energy savings target of 2.1 percent.

In terms of construction investment, to relieve system capacity and ensure reliable electricity supply for customers, Dong Nai PC plans to invest in 10 new substations and more than 60 kilometers of 110kV power lines, with a total capital of approximately 341 billion VND; nearly 500 kilometers of 22kV power lines and 517 kilometers of low-voltage lines, with a capital of 728 billion VND. Major repairs will be carried out on 46 projects valued at 164 billion VND.

Tran Cong Kha, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Rubber Industry Group, shared that Dong Nai has extensive rubber land, which is a significant advantage for developing industrial parks aligned with the green economy, renewable energy, and high-tech agriculture. In alignment with the province’s sustainable development orientation, the group will, in the coming period, focus on these three pillars and implement projects moving towards green production. It will utilize rubber land for solar power development in accordance with planning, and gradually build a renewable energy value chain linked to the processing industry, contributing to making Dong Nai a green economic center in the region.

At various working sessions with Dong Nai PC and relevant departments and agencies, Provincial Party Committee member and Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang consistently emphasized that ensuring energy security is pivotal to entering a phase of high growth. Therefore, the electricity sector must proactively implement all operational plans, invest in infrastructure, and further advance the application of technology to ensure a safe and stable electricity supply. Provincial leaders have requested that energy infrastructure must stay one step ahead to create momentum for other infrastructure systems and generate a competitive edge in attracting investment.

By Hoang Loc – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho