Government orders accelerated power-saving measures, promoting rooftop solar power development

On March 30, the Government issued Directive No. 10/CT-TTg, requesting ministries, sectors, localities and businesses to implement synchronized and decisive measures to save electricity and promote the development of rooftop solar power, aiming to ensure safe and stable power supply for 2026 and support economic growth goals in the new phase.

The government requests the promotion of rooftop solar power rollout. The image shows a rooftop solar power system in an industrial park in Dong Nai. Illustrative photo: Hoang Loc

Under the directive, the whole country is required to save at least 3% of total electricity consumption in 2026. During peak hot months from April to July, power savings must reach a minimum of 10%. At the same time, demand-side management and demand response (DSM/DR) programs must be implemented intensively, targeting a reduction of at least 3,000 MW of load capacity during peak hours when the system faces the risk of power shortages.

The Government also emphasizes the need for accelerated rollout of rooftop solar systems under a “self-generation, self-consumption” model, prioritizing public offices, production and business facilities, and households. The integration of battery energy storage systems (BESS) is encouraged to ease peak load pressure and enhance on-site power self-sufficiency. The goal is for around 10% of public offices and 10% of households to install rooftop solar systems annually, with total installed capacity targeted to reach 20% of planned rooftop solar capacity in each locality during the 2026–2030 period.

 The directive outlines specific energy-saving measures for different groups. Public offices are required to develop quarterly electricity-saving plans, phase out low-efficiency equipment, apply digital technologies to monitor electricity consumption, and place responsibility on  heads of units for electricity-saving performance. Public lighting and outdoor advertising systems are required to cut  electricity consumption by at least 30%, with lighting reduced or turned off after 11 p.m. and during peak hours while still ensuring traffic safety and public security. Restaurants, hotels and shopping malls must reduce at least 50% of advertising lighting capacity during peak hours at the request of the power sector.

Dong Nai Power Company staff check electrical infrastructure. Photo: Hoang Loc

For manufacturing enterprises, especially major energy users, annual electricity-saving plans must be developed to ensure a reduction of at least 3% in electricity consumption. Businesses are also required to proactively adjust production schedules, limit electricity use during peak hours, and be ready to participate in DSM/DR programs upon request.

The government also encourages businesses to invest in on-site power sources, such as solar power, wind power, storage systems, or backup generators to reduce dependence on the national grid.

For localities, provincial and municipal People’s Committees are tasked with issuing electricity-saving plans, allocating specific targets, and simplifying administrative procedures while making processes transparent to facilitate residents’ and businesses’ investment in rooftop solar systems. Communication efforts on efficient and economical energy use and the benefits of rooftop solar are to be strengthened, alongside stricter inspection, supervision and penalties for wasteful electricity use.

In Dong Nai, in early March 2026, the Provincial People's Committee issued Plan No. 75/KH-UBND dated March 5, 2026, on the implementation of the program for efficient and economical energy use and sustainable production and consumption. Under the plan, in 2026, the entire province must achieve a minimum electricity saving of 2.1% of total energy consumption, with agencies, public offices, and state budget-funded units requested to save at least 5% of total electricity consumption. The plan also outlines key solutions to be implemented, including  providing technical support for production, manufacturing, renovation, market conversion of vehicles, equipment, machinery, production chains; enhancing capacity in energy efficiency, and sustainable production and consumption; conducting communication campaigns to raise public awareness about energy efficiency and sustainable production and consumption; and sustainable production and consumption; evaluating and analyzing  data to reduce average energy consumption for industrial sectors/sub-sectors (steel, chemicals, plastics, textiles, beer and beverages...).

By Hoang Loc – Translated by Mai Nga, Thu Ha