Soaring Electricity Bills: How the Heat Wave Affected Consumers in HCMC and Hanoi

The heat in April caused electricity bills in many households in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to increase by 20-50% compared to March. This led to a significant increase in electricity bills for many households, with amounts higher than the same period last year.

One such household is that of Mr. Nhat in Nha Be district of HCMC, who was shocked when his electricity bill nearly doubled in April, reaching almost 1.3 million VND. Despite following recommended guidelines for using air conditioning, Mr. Cao in Go Vap also experienced a significant increase in his electricity bill in April.

The high electricity bills were explained by the 6-step progressive tariff system, where the more electricity consumed, the higher the price paid. Many consumers found this calculation method unreasonable and called for a review of the tariff structure. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is considering downgrading the tariff to 5 levels to address the concerns raised by consumers.

Experts have suggested abolishing the ladder tariff system and implementing a one-price electricity calculation method to address the discrepancies in pricing. There is also a call to reduce cross-subsidy between production and living costs to provide a fairer pricing structure for consumers.

As the heat waves are forecasted to continue, it is essential for customers to save electricity and adjust their usage needs. Implementing energy-saving practices, such as using Inverter air conditioners and setting appropriate temperatures, can help reduce electricity bills significantly. Continued education on energy-saving practices and efficient use of appliances is necessary to mitigate the impact of rising electricity costs for consumers in the coming months.

In summary, while some households may have been caught off guard by sudden increases in their electricity bills during April’s intense heat wave, there are steps that can be taken now to minimize future impacts on your wallets and promote sustainable energy usage habits for long term benefits.