Accelerating power grid investment in step with Dong Nai’s urbanization

Amid rapidly rising electricity demand and a wave of major projects nearing operation, Dong Nai Power Company is rolling out comprehensive measures to ensure safe and stable power supply. The focus is on accelerating investment and upgrading grid infrastructure toward a modern, smart system, gradually forming a sustainable energy ecosystem aligned with urban development requirements.

On this occasion, a reporter from Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television had an interview with Do Huu Hoang, Deputy Director of Dong Nai Power Company.

Do Huu Hoang, Deputy Director of Dong Nai Power Company. Photo: Thuy Hang

Multiple proactive scenarios prepared to meet rising demand

In 2026, electricity demand in the province is forecast to continue to increase sharply, especially when large projects such as Long Thanh Airport and newly established industrial parks come into operation. So what scenarios has the power industry prepared to ensure electricity supply?

In the first quarter of 2026, electricity demand in Dong Nai rose by more than 5%, with peak load capacity exceeding 3,200 MW, up 4.2% year-on-year. Notably, the commercial-service sector recorded nearly 10% growth, reflecting strong economic recovery and expansion.

With demand expected to continue climbing, combined with risks from extreme weather patterns linked to the transition from La Nina to El Nino, pressure on power supply is intensifying. To address this, we have developed multiple operational scenarios, with load adjustment plans ranging from 5% to 30%, ensuring readiness for all contingencies.

Synchronized solutions are being implemented, including promoting electricity savings of at least 3% annually, implementing demand response programs for large consumers, and encouraging rooftop solar power development under self-production and self-consumption models.

Along with that, the company mobilizes all available backup power sources, accelerating the progress of key power grid projects.

Dong Nai Power Company employees inspect the 110kV power project infrastructure. Photo: Hoang Loc

In 2025, we invested in 110kV power grid projects and medium - low voltage systems to serve industrial parks, residential areas, new urban areas and national infrastructure projects. Of which, 17 key 110kV projects were completed and energized on schedule or ahead of schedule, contributing to reducing the load on the power grid in the East and South of the province.

In particular, in late 2025, the 110kV Long Thanh Airport substation was put into operation, creating a separate, stable power supply foundation for this key area.

In the coming time, we will continue to coordinate closely with sectors and localities to accurately forecast demand, thereby developing a power grid investment plan for the 2027-2030 period, especially to serve high-tech and digital transformation fields.

The 110kV Long Thanh Airport substation project is completed and put into use at the end of 2025. Photo: Hoang Loc

Developing smart grids, paving the way for green energy

As Dong Nai moves toward becoming a centrally governed city, how will the power sector develop infrastructure and energy sources to both meet growth and ensure long-term energy security?

We determine that power infrastructure must go one step ahead to create room for development. Instead of just meeting immediate needs, power grid projects are calculated according to socio-economic development orientation, closely linked with the province's industrial, urban and transport infrastructure planning.

Therefore, the focus is on continuing to invest, upgrade and complete the power grid. In 2026, the Company will continue to invest more than 1.1 trillion VND, mainly in 110kV, medium - low voltage projects and digital transformation in operation management. It is expected that 77 power projects will be energized, creating more room for load growth in the upcoming peak period.

At the same time, the company will continue efforts to minimize power outage time through solutions such as hotline repair, enhanced condition-based maintenance and optimized operation.

Along with that is promoting the application of digital technology in management and operation. Systems such as SCADA, DMS, OMS allows real-time monitoring, control, and troubleshooting; while the digitalization of technical data through PMIS contributes to improving the reliability of electricity supply.

A key orientation is the development of a Smart Grid. This is the foundation for integrating distributed energy sources, enhancing flexible operation capabilities, reducing losses, and better meeting the increasing load demand.

The company also promotes the development of renewable energy as directed by the Central Government, especially rooftop solar power following the self-production, self-consumption model. Distributed energy sources such as waste-to-energy and biomass power will be developed in accordance with actual conditions and national power planning, as well as the province's general planning.

Staff of Tran Bien Power under Dong Nai Power Company popularizes household electricity saving measures to residents. Photo: Hoang Loc

Ensuring power supply during peak dry season

That is a long-term plan, but currently, during this peak dry season of 2026, what solutions does Dong Nai's power sector have to ensure supply?

During the peak dry season of 2026, we identify the key task as ensuring safe and continuous power supply in all situations.

The company is focusing maximum resources to complete the energization of 4 key projects in April 2026, including upgrading the 110kV Dinh Quan - Dinh Quan 2 power line; installing the third transformer at the 110kV An Phuoc substation; commissioning the outgoing line of the 220kV Nhon Trach substation; and the second circuit of the 110kV Xuan Loc - Xuan Truong power line.

Additionally, construction will begin on 51 out of 61 planned 22kV grid projects this April, strengthening supply capacity in high-growth areas.

To ensure power supply, the sector will review and inspect the entire system, proactively implement prevention plans for incidents during hot weather and extreme conditions, and minimize subjective causes.

Another important solution is to strengthen communication, raise awareness of safe, economical, and efficient electricity use in the community and businesses; and expand the demand response (DR) program, contributing to reducing pressure on the system during peak hours.

By Hoang Loc – Translated by Mai Nga, Thu Ha