Resolving Power Transmission Bottlenecks: Breakthrough Solutions for Ho Chi Minh City
Despite the power transmission grid in Ho Chi Minh City operating safely and reliably during the first half of 2026, many transformers are already operating at full capacity or even overloaded. With increasing electricity demand, accelerating power transmission projects and resolving investment and land clearance bottlenecks have become urgent priorities to ensure energy security for the country's economic hub.
Power Grid Status in Ho Chi Minh City - First Half of 2026
According to the latest report from the Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation (EVN HCMC), the city's power grid has generally operated safely and reliably in the first six months of 2026. However, overload situations still occur at certain substations, particularly during peak hours.
At a recent meeting, Mr. Nguyen Van Dung, Director of EVN HCMC, stated: "Despite significant efforts in power system operation and maintenance, the pressure of electricity supply in Ho Chi Minh City remains immense. Many key substations are operating at near-maximum capacity, creating potential safety risks to the system."
Overload Situation at Substations
In the first half of 2026, Ho Chi Minh City recorded 12 incidents related to transformer overloads, including 3 serious incidents causing prolonged power outages. Areas with high population density and developed industrial activities such as District 1, District 3, Binh Thanh District, and Thu Duc City experience the most pressure.
| District | Number of Transformers | Overload Rate | Peak Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| District 1 | 24 | 85% | 9am-11am, 2pm-5pm |
| District 3 | 18 | 78% | 9am-11am, 2pm-5pm |
| Binh Thanh | 32 | 82% | 9am-11am, 2pm-5pm |
| Thu Duc | 45 | 90% | 9am-11am, 2pm-5pm |
Rising Electricity Demand and Challenges
In line with rapid socio-economic development, electricity demand in Ho Chi Minh City continues to increase. Statistics show that the total electricity consumption in the city during the first half of 2026 reached an estimated 12.5 billion kWh, an 8.7% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
Mr. Tran Van Minh, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, stated: "Ho Chi Minh City is the country's economic hub, contributing approximately 22% of the national GDP. Therefore, ensuring a stable and continuous electricity supply is not just a technical requirement but a critical factor for maintaining development momentum and attracting investment."
Causes of Overload Situations
- Rapid urbanization increasing electricity demand
- Development of new urban areas and industrial zones
- Slow implementation of new transmission projects
- Obstacles in land clearance procedures
- Insufficient investment in power infrastructure
Current Power Transmission Projects
To address the situation, EVN has been implementing numerous power transmission projects across Ho Chi Minh City. However, the progress of many projects has been delayed due to land clearance issues and investment procedures.
Key Priority Projects Requiring Completion
| Project Name | Capacity | Implementation Status | Main Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500kV Binh Chanh Transmission Substation | 1,000 MVA | Under construction | Land clearance |
| Expansion of 220kV Thu Thiem Substation | 2×500 MVA | Awaiting approval | Investment procedures |
| 220kV Cable Bridge across Sai Gon River | 220kV | Design phase | Technical issues |
| 110kV Underground Cable System in Central Area | 110kV | Awaiting funding | Budget |
Bottlenecks and Solutions
According to EVN's report, up to 60% of transmission projects in Ho Chi Minh City are facing obstacles, primarily related to land clearance and investment procedures.
Ms. Le Thi Thu Hang, Head of Project Management Department at EVN HCMC, stated: "Many projects have been approved for several years but still cannot be implemented due to land clearance issues. Relocating households and businesses to make way for power infrastructure often faces legal difficulties and lacks public consensus."
Proposed Solutions
- Establish special task forces for land clearance of key power projects
- Review and simplify investment procedures for transmission projects
- Prioritize budget allocation for urgent power projects
- Enhance coordination between EVN, Ho Chi Minh City authorities, and relevant departments
- Apply new technologies in power grid construction and operation
Importance of Ensuring Energy Security
Ho Chi Minh City is not only the country's largest economic center but also the leader in industry, commerce, and services. Ensuring a stable and continuous electricity supply is crucial for maintaining the city's sustainable development and the southern region's growth.
According to Mr. Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee: "Energy security is one of the pillars of economic security. Ho Chi Minh City will closely coordinate with EVN and central ministries to resolve bottlenecks, accelerate transmission projects, and ensure a stable power supply for the city's and region's development."
Conclusion
The overload situation at substations across Ho Chi Minh City presents significant challenges for ensuring energy security. Accelerating power transmission projects and resolving investment and land clearance bottlenecks are urgent requirements to meet the city's growing electricity demand.
Only when these bottlenecks are resolved can Ho Chi Minh City ensure a stable and continuous power supply, continue to serve as the economic engine, and contribute to the country's overall development. Close coordination between EVN, city authorities, and relevant ministries will be the key to solving this issue in the coming years.