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, doubling the previous months. Mr. Nhat in Nha Be district of HCMC was shocked when his electricity bill nearly doubled in April, reaching almost 1.3 million VND. This was a record high for his household since they started using electricity. With 2 air conditioners in the house, they only turned them on in the evening to save energy. However, due to the intense heat in March and April, they had to adjust the air conditioner temperature lower, resulting in the high electricity bill.
Similarly, Mr. Cao in Go Vap also experienced a significant increase in his electricity bill in April, despite following recommended guidelines for using air conditioning. Many households in both cities were surprised by the sudden increase in electricity bills, with amounts higher than the same period last year. The rise in bills was attributed to the increased consumption of electricity due to the hot weather.
The high electricity bills were also 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. 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.