The scorching heat in April hit households in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi hard, causing electricity bills to increase by 20-50% compared to March. This was a significant increase from the previous months, with many households feeling shocked by the sudden spike in their electricity usage.
One such household was that of Mr. Nhat in Nha Be district of HCMC. His electricity bill in April nearly doubled the average of previous months and increased 30% compared to March. This was a record high since he started using electricity in his house, leaving him feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. Even though they only turned on the air conditioners in the evening, the hot weather caused their bills to skyrocket.
Similarly, Mr. Cao in Go Vap experienced a significant increase in his electricity bill despite maintaining a temperature of above 26-28 degrees Celsius as recommended. Many households across both cities were caught off guard by the sudden surge in their electricity bills, higher than the same period last year. The high bills were attributed to increased demand for electricity due to the extreme heat wave conditions.
According to reports from Electricity Regulatory Authority, energy consumption reached new records in April, with consumption nearly reaching 1 billion kWh. The prolonged hot weather led to an increase in demand for cooling equipment among households, resulting in a surge in electricity usage. Additionally, the stepped tariff system implemented also contributed to the higher energy bills experienced by consumers.
Many consumers have expressed frustration with current pricing structures and have called for reforms that would be more favorable for them. Experts have pointed out that progressive pricing systems can be disadvantageous and proposed alternative methods for calculating energy bills that would be more fair and justifiable for consumers. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is currently considering changes to the current six-step tariff system into a five-step tariff system as it addresses some of the issues raised by consumers.
In light of increasing energy bills and ongoing heat waves, consumers are encouraged to conserve energy and adjust their usage habits accordingly. Using air conditioners effectively, choosing energy-efficient models, regular maintenance of appliances can help reduce energy consumption significantly.
Government stakeholders are working on solutions that would address consumer concerns while ensuring fair pricing practices within the electric sector industry.
In conclusion, while rising temperatures have affected energy consumption levels across both cities; it’s essential for households to take proactive steps towards reducing their electricity usage while advocating for fairer pricing structures that benefit all consumers equally.
