Regulation on the procedure for suspension and reduction of electricity supply during repair and maintenance in Vietnam

Regulation on the procedure for suspension and reduction of electricity supply during repair and maintenance in Vietnam​ (Image from the internet)

The Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam issues Circular 04/2025/TT-BCT dated February 1, 2025, stipulating the procedures for suspension or reduction of electricity supply.

Regulation on the procedure for suspension and reduction of electricity supply during repair and maintenance in Vietnam

As stipulated in Article 8 of Circular 04/2025/TT-BCT, the procedures for suspension or reduction of electricity supply for maintenance and repairs or other planned needs are as follows:

(1) In cases of suspension or reduction of electricity supply for maintenance, repairs, or other planned needs, the electricity seller must notify the electricity buyer at least 5 days prior to the suspension or reduction, using the specific methods as follows:

- Send a written notification or use another method agreed upon in the electricity purchase contract for customers with an average electricity purchase of over 100,000kWh/month;

- Announce for 3 consecutive days in mass media or through other methods agreed upon in the electricity purchase contract for the remaining customers. The first notification must ensure at least 5 days prior to the suspension or reduction.

(2) After notifying the suspension or reduction of electricity supply, the electricity seller is responsible for carrying out the suspension or reduction according to the announced content. If the suspension or reduction is not carried out as announced, the electricity seller must re-notify the electricity buyer at least 24 hours before the notified suspension or reduction time.

(3) If the electricity buyer requests a change in the notified suspension or reduction time, they must communicate with the electricity seller at least 48 hours prior to the suspension or reduction. The electricity seller is responsible for considering and addressing the buyer’s request. Specifically:

- If unable to change the suspension or reduction, the electricity seller may proceed according to the plan but must re-notify the electricity buyer with clear reasons at least 24 hours before the notified time;

- If a change in the suspension or reduction time is accepted, the electricity seller must notify the electricity buyer at least 24 hours prior to the originally notified time.

(4) After proceeding with the suspension or reduction, the electricity seller must fully record the time, content, and process of the suspension or reduction in the work or operational logbook.

(5) The electricity seller must restore electricity supply according to the notified schedule. If the restoration is delayed by 1 hour or more from the notified time, the electricity seller must inform customers with an average electricity purchase of over 100,000kWh/month of the restoration time via phone or another agreed notification method in the contract.

Regulations on the content of notification for suspension or reduction of electricity supply in Vietnam

According to Article 4 of Circular 04/2025/TT-BCT, the notification for suspension or reduction of electricity supply is as follows:

- In all cases of suspension or reduction, the electricity seller must notify the electricity buyer, except as stipulated in Article 6 of Circular 04/2025/TT-BCT.

- The notification content must include:

+ Location of suspension or reduction of electricity supply; the reduced capacity level or maximum supply capacity in reduction cases;

+ Reason for suspension or reduction;

+ Start time of suspension or reduction;

+ Expected time of electricity reconnection or normal supply restoration.

- The person signing the suspension or reduction notification from the electricity seller must be one of the following:

+ Legal representative or authorized representative of the electricity seller;

+ The individual authorized to sign the suspension or reduction notification as agreed in the electricity purchase contract.

- The suspension or reduction notification shall be made using the method agreed by both parties and specified in the electricity purchase contract.

More details can be found in Circular 04/2025/TT-BCT effective from February 1, 2025.

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