The EVN’s National Load Dispatch Center (NLDC) said in a statement on Wednesday, power would be cut between 9-11 a.m. and 5-7 p.m. everyday on a massive scale throughout Vietnam.

NLDC blamed low level water reservoirs, breakdowns and maintenance work at power plants for the load shedding.

A 360-MW turbine breakdown at the Phu My 3 thermo-power plant in southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province was still waiting for repair, while another 360-MW turbine at Phu My 2.2 power plant will not be operating until January due to maintenance.

NLDC said the slow commissioning of power plants was also to blame for the cuts.

Construction of major power plants like Nhon Trach 1, Ca Mau 1 and Ca Mau 2 in Dong Nai and Ca Mau Provinces respectively and Uong Bi in northern Quang Ninh Province were behind schedule.

EVN said it was mobilizing all available power resources to address the shortage, including buying power from China.

NLDC’s director, Dang Huy Cuong said despite backup sources, blackouts were highly likely due to the high demand.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Bui Xuan Khu told the media he was pushing for the rapid completion of new power plants by the 2008 dry season.

Khu confirmed the ministry would intervene to settle disputes from power-buying deals between EVN and electricity firms.

He also shrugged off concerns that power firms would not work at full capacity due to the fuel price hikes.

The current power demand was 197 million KWh per day but was set to hit 205 million KWh.

The country was forecast to face a shortage of around 1,600 MW during peak times next dry season.

Residents affected

Recent power cuts took a heavy toll on residents and businesses in Ho Chi Minh City, who complained they weren’t given any notice.

A shoe shop owner in Phan Dinh Phung Street in District Phu Nhuan said continuous out-ages this week, for several hours at a time, badly affected her business.

A tailor on the same street said he couldn’t fill his orders due to the blackouts.

Thousands of households in Binh Thanh, Binh Tan, Tan Binh, and Tan Phu districts were angry about the cuts and lack of warning.

Authorities said they would try their best to minimize the power cuts in industrial areas and hospitals.

Source: Tuoi Tre