In April, electricity bills in many households in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi increased by 20-50% compared to March, resulting in a doubling of the previous months. This sudden increase caught many households off guard, with amounts higher than the same period last year.
One such household was that of Mr. Nhat in Nha Be district of HCMC. He 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. Despite following recommended guidelines for using air conditioning, Mr. Nhat had to adjust the air conditioner temperature lower due to the intense heat in March and April, resulting in the high electricity bill.
Similarly, Mr. Cao in Go Vap experienced a significant increase in his electricity bill in April, despite also following recommended guidelines for using air conditioning. The rise in bills was attributed to the increased consumption of electricity due to the hot weather, but many consumers felt that the calculation method used for pricing was 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 these concerns raised by consumers. However, experts have suggested abolishing the ladder tariff system and implementing a one-price electricity calculation method to address 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 heat waves are forecasted to continue, it is crucial for customers to save electricity and adjust their usage needs accordingly. 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 for consumers facing rising electricity costs.
In conclusion, while some households were surprised by their sudden increase in electricity bills this past month, there are several steps that can be taken to mitigate this impact moving forward. By implementing energy-saving practices and advocating for fairer pricing structures, consumers can take control of their power bills during times of high demand or extreme weather conditions like heatwaves or floods that may disrupt power supply or cause damages on power infrastructure leading to price hikes
