Prolonged heatwaves have triggered a sharp increase in electricity demand across Gia Lai Province in recent days. To ensure a safe and stable power supply for production and daily life, Gia Lai Power Company has implemented a range of proactive measures.
Reporters from Gia Lai Newspaper and Radio & Television spoke with Mr. Thái Minh Châu, Director of Gia Lai Power Company, about the company's response.
* In the context of electricity demand in the province increasing by more than 20% due to prolonged heatwaves, what proactive measures has Gia Lai Power Company taken to ensure a safe and stable electricity supply for residents and businesses?
Mr. Thái Minh Châu - Director of Gia Lai Power Company. Photo: Provided by the subject
- From the beginning of the dry season, we developed operational plans for different electricity consumption scenarios and proactively identified potential overload points so that timely solutions could be implemented.
The company identified more than 80 transformer stations at risk of overloading during the irrigation season and took measures to increase capacity and redistribute electricity consumption where necessary.
In April 2026 alone, the company invested more than VND12 billion (approximately US$460,000) in the repair and maintenance of more than 50 transformers and the rehabilitation of over 30 kilometres of medium- and low-voltage power lines. At the same time, we coordinated the upgrade of transformer T1 at the 110 kV Phù Cát Substation, increasing its capacity from 25 MVA to 63 MVA to meet rising electricity demand.
We have also accelerated the adoption of technologies including the SCADA remote control system, hotline maintenance services, and power-grid inspections using flycams and thermal imaging cameras. These technologies help detect potential safety risks early and enable rapid intervention at overloaded or vulnerable locations.
As a result, the province’s power system has continued to operate safely and stably, meeting the electricity needs of households and businesses.
Phú Tài Power staff inspect the electrical system at a manufacturing enterprise in Phú Tài Industrial Park (Quy Nhơn Bắc Ward). Photo: Hải Yến
* In line with the theme “Energy Saving, Prosperous Future,” what measures has Gia Lai Power Company implemented to promote electricity conservation within its own operations?
- We believe that if we expect customers to use electricity efficiently, the power sector must first demonstrate that commitment itself.
The company has instructed all subsidiaries to implement electricity-saving measures across business operations, investment projects and power-grid management activities. This includes the efficient use of electricity, materials, fuel, office supplies and other allocated resources.
At the same time, we encourage units to develop innovations and apply science and technology to reduce power losses, optimise operating costs and improve labour productivity. Solutions such as remote control systems, flycams and thermal imaging cameras not only enhance supply reliability but also help reduce manpower requirements, save time and lower operating costs.
Through activities held in response to the 2026 National Day of Thrift and Anti-Waste, we hope to foster a culture of energy efficiency among employees and extend that awareness to their families, communities and customers.
Power company staff operate a flycam to inspect and manage power lines. Photo: Provided by the unit
* What message would you like to send to households, production facilities and businesses in the province to encourage economical and efficient electricity use?
- Electricity demand is expected to continue growing alongside socio-economic development, urbanisation and the expansion of industrial production. Therefore, saving electricity is not only a way to reduce costs but also an important contribution to energy security and sustainable development.
I encourage every household, production facility and business to strengthen awareness of efficient electricity use. Households should consider setting air conditioners at 26–27°C, using fans in combination with air conditioning, maximising natural light and ventilation, prioritising energy-efficient appliances and avoiding the simultaneous use of multiple high-power devices during peak hours.
Businesses should actively participate in the demand response (DR) programme, arrange production schedules more efficiently and, where possible, shift part of their operations to off-peak periods.
If each customer reduces a portion of electricity consumption during peak hours, pressure on the power system can be significantly eased, helping ensure a stable electricity supply to support the province’s socio-economic development.
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