Shift toward electric-powered lifestyles gains momentum

In recent years, many households have shifted to electricity for most of their daily needs, from cooking and cooling to transportation. This transition has helped improve quality of life, reduce costs and support more environmentally friendly lifestyles.

An electric vehicle charging station in Tam Hiep ward, Dong Nai province. Photo: Hoang Loc

The growing use of electricity in daily life reflects a broader demand among residents. However, it also underscores the importance of using electricity safely and efficiently in order to maintain stable supply and ensure secure system operations.

Rising household electricity demand

Pham Thi Nhung, a resident of Tan Trieu ward, plans to buy a car this year. Initially, she intended to purchase a gasoline-powered vehicle, but after careful consideration, she decided on an electric car to save on fuel costs and contribute to environmental protection.

“I find electric vehicles reasonably priced, and the charging network is becoming increasingly accessible, so I decided to choose one. Moreover, driving an electric car helps reduce emissions,” Nhung said.

At the VinFast Dong Nai showroom in Long Binh ward, sales representative Le Khanh Hung noted that demand for electric cars has risen significantly in recent months. This trend is being driven by fluctuating fuel prices, growing consumer interest in green living, and the rapid expansion of public charging infrastructure. In addition, attractive incentives from manufacturers, including price reductions, trade-in support for old gasoline vehicles, and free charging for two years at public stations, have further stimulated market demand.

In the first quarter of 2026, commercial electricity output in Dong Nai reached nearly 4.9 billion kWh, up by 236 million kWh, equivalent to almost 5.1 percent compared to the same period in 2025. Of this, residential electricity consumption exceeded 1 billion kWh, accounting for nearly 22 percent of the total and rising by more than 4.54 percent year-on-year.

Beyond the increasing adoption of electric motorbikes and cars, another notable shift is the move from gas stoves to electric cooking appliances. Not only households, but also shops, eateries and service businesses are diversifying their use of electrical equipment in place of traditional fuels.

Bui Thi Luong, who lives in an apartment complex in Tran Bien ward, said her family replaced all gas stoves with induction cookers two months ago. She explained that gas prices had been unstable, while electric appliances were both safer and more cost-effective when used properly.

“At first I was concerned that my electricity bill would rise, but it is still cheaper than using gas,” Luong shared.

According to Dong Nai Power Company (DNPC), electricity demand across the province is increasing sharply in both production and daily life. One clear example is the number of EV charging stations, which rose from more than 260 in March 2025 to 350 in March 2026, an increase of nearly 100 stations within a year.

This figure does not include charging points integrated into apartment buildings, supermarkets, shopping centers, or those installed for private household use.

Statistics from DNPC also show that in the first quarter of 2026, total electricity consumption in the province reached nearly 4.9 billion kWh, up more than 5 percent. Residential usage alone surpassed 1 billion kWh, increasing by 4.5 percent compared to the same period in 2025.

This increase reflects the recovery of industry, construction, trade and services, alongside rising household demand for electricity.

Ensuring safe and efficient use

The increase of more than 5 percent in electricity consumption has placed pressure on several transmission lines and substations in the province, with some operating at full capacity and others experiencing localized overload during peak hours.

In response, the power sector has proactively developed operational plans for different demand levels and implemented technical solutions to ensure system safety.

According to Truong Dinh Quoc, Director of DNPC, the company has prepared electricity supply scenarios ranging from normal conditions to extreme situations such as prolonged heatwaves or unexpected incidents. It has intensified grid inspections, deployed round-the-clock staff, and strengthened measures to ensure continuous and safe operations. It also monitors demand fluctuations in real time to implement flexible management solutions, thereby limiting prolonged overload in certain areas.

Routine maintenance and repairs are conducted to identify and mitigate potential risks early.

Meanwhile, Cao Quang Quynh, member of the Board of Members of Vietnam Electricity, said during a working session in Dong Nai in mid-April that one of the key solutions requiring strong attention is the efficient and responsible use of electricity.

The power sector has urged the province to develop a concrete action plan in 2026 with the goal of saving at least 3 percent of total annual electricity consumption, and 10 percent during peak dry-season months.

In addition, the province is encouraged to expand rooftop solar power systems under self-production and self-consumption models, helping ease pressure on the national grid, particularly during peak demand periods.

The shift in household electricity habits reflects both practical needs and a broader commitment to sustainable development, especially as fossil fuel sources gradually decline and weather patterns become increasingly extreme.

Nevertheless, this trend also creates greater pressure on electricity supply systems. To meet rising demand, alongside the efforts of the power sector, society as a whole must work together to ensure electricity is used safely, efficiently and responsibly.

By H. Loc – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho