Vietnam: Actions taken in cases of congestion on the electric power transmission grid

Vietnam: Actions taken in cases of congestion on the electric power transmission grid (Illustration)

Under Article 17 of Circular 34/2011/TT-BCT on the electricity allocation and electricity load reduction in case of localized power shortage, the following actions are taken in cases of congestion on the electric power transmission grid in Vietnam as follows:

1. In the case of congestion on the electric power transmission grid leading to a localized power shortage or failure to meet the operating standards of the power system, the National Load Dispatch Center is responsible for:

- Identifying areas with localized power shortages and areas at risk of failing to meet the operating standards of the power system and the period of the localized power shortage;

- Determining the maximum power that can be supplied to the area with a power shortage and estimating the amount of power shortfall;

- Formulating an electricity allocation plan in areas with localized power shortages, presenting it for approval by Vietnam Electricity (EVN), and reporting to the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam for monitoring and overseeing implementation.

2. The electricity allocation plan for electricity corporations is simultaneously developed with the national power system operation plan for the week as stipulated in Article 16 of Circular No. 09/2010/TT-BCT.

3. By 9:00 AM on Friday of week W, the electricity corporations in the areas with localized power shortages must complete electricity allocation for week W+2 and update and adjust the electricity allocation for week W+1 to the provincial power companies under their jurisdiction according to the approved electricity allocation plan for the area with localized power shortages, while reporting to Vietnam Electricity (EVN) for monitoring and supervision.

4. By 4:00 PM on Friday of week W, Hanoi Electricity Corporation, Ho Chi Minh City Electricity Corporation, and provincial power companies in the area with localized power shortages must complete the plan for electricity load reduction within the province for week W+2 and update, adjust the electricity load reduction plan for week W+1 following the principles stipulated in Article 9 of this Circular, and report to the Department of Industry and Trade for monitoring and supervision.

5. The procedures for power load reduction are carried out according to the regulations outlined in Decision No. 39/2005/QD-BCN and Circular No. 09/2010/TT-BCT.

6. During the operation of the power system, the National Load Dispatch Center and regional load dispatch units are permitted to implement emergency load-shedding measures to ensure the security of the power system in the following cases:

- In emergencies where congestion occurs on the transmission grid leading to a risk of localized power shortages or failure to meet the operating standards of the power system;

- Actual hourly operating power of electricity corporations and provincial power companies exceeds the allocated power as planned.

More details can be found in Circular 34/2011/TT-BCT effective from October 24, 2011.

Thuy Tram

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