The electricity sector has rolled out a range of infrastructure investments and operational measures to stabilize power supply for both agricultural production and daily life, particularly in western districts where irrigation needs surge during the peak dry months.
In Đức Cơ commune, where more than 7,694 hectares of crops are cultivated—over 90% of them perennial industrial crops and fruit trees—electricity demand for irrigation is expected to continue climbing. According to the Đức Cơ Power Management Team under Gia Lai Power Company, electricity consumption for irrigation in 2025 is projected to exceed 17 million kWh, accounting for more than 11% of the unit’s commercial electricity output. Demand during the 2026 dry season is forecast to rise by about 10% year-on-year.
To cope with the increasing load, the unit upgraded overload protection at 11 transformer stations in 2025, built more than 7 kilometers of new low-voltage lines and replaced over 12 kilometers of aging lines. It also repaired 14 capacitor banks and replaced more than 240 meter boxes.
Further investments are planned in 2026, including the construction of 1.6 kilometers of low-voltage lines, renovation of 1.9 kilometers of medium-voltage lines, installation of five transformer stations with a combined capacity of 1,250 kVA, and more than 20 kilometers of neutral wires.
“Our unit coordinates closely with local authorities to track cultivation expansion plans and develop suitable investment roadmaps, avoiding reactive responses to rising electricity demand,” said Tăng Văn Dũng, head of the Đức Cơ Power Management Team.
Farmers say the improved grid has significantly lowered production costs. Huỳnh Văn Lập, a resident of Grôn village in Đức Cơ commune, cultivates 500 pepper pillars and more than three hectares of coffee intercropped with about 100 durian trees.
Previously, without grid electricity, he relied on a generator for irrigation, increasing fuel costs and requiring intensive labor. With the introduction of three-phase electricity, he installed an automated irrigation system for each plant.
“This has significantly reduced costs, allowed flexible watering schedules and resulted in more uniform crop development,” Lập said.
In neighboring Chư Prông commune, another major agricultural area, commercial electricity output during the 2026 peak irrigation season is expected to reach about 222 million kWh, nearly 14% higher than a year earlier.
To handle the rising demand, the Chư Prông Power Management Team has completed five grid investment projects, including the construction and renovation of 32.75 kilometers of medium-voltage lines and the installation of 12 transformer stations with a combined capacity of 2,050 kVA.
The projects also added 31.9 kilometers of low-voltage lines, repaired 15.6 kilometers of medium-voltage lines and installed five reclosers and one load break switch on key feeders to improve grid reliability.
In January 2026, the unit also commissioned four medium-voltage capacitor banks with a capacity of 1.2 MVAr to improve voltage quality.
“We have reviewed and relocated more than 13 transformer stations at risk of overload in high irrigation-demand areas such as Ia Pia, Ia Boòng and Bàu Cạn to reduce pressure on the grid and ensure stable voltage for irrigation pumps,” said Nguyễn Văn Thành, head of the Chư Prông Power Management Team.
Meanwhile, the Mang Yang Power Management Team has conducted extensive inspections since the start of the dry season, checking 168 dedicated and 171 public transformer stations. Technicians measured capacity levels, balanced phases, inspected transmission corridors and used thermal cameras to detect overheating points early. An additional transformer station has also been energized to balance loads.
According to Hồ Đức Huấn, head of the Mang Yang unit, the number of customers connected through public transformer stations has increased by more than 15% compared with the same period last year, while electricity output during this dry season is expected to rise about 20%.
“The unit has fully prepared materials, equipment and manpower to promptly handle any arising situations,” Huấn said.
Local farmers say the stable electricity supply has helped secure irrigation for crops during the dry months.
“Since the irrigation season began, the power supply has been stable and has met production needs well,” said Nguyễn Văn An, a resident of Đak Trôk village in Mang Yang commune. “The electricity sector regularly inspects power lines and transformer stations, which gives locals great peace of mind.”
Beyond infrastructure upgrades, Gia Lai Power Company has intensified efforts to promote safe electricity use in rural areas.
In Phú Thiện commune, the local power management team coordinated with authorities to hold 10 direct communication sessions involving more than 1,000 participants and distributed over 1,000 safety leaflets in January 2026. Officials also guided corrections for more than 100 cases of unsafe electricity use and handled 15 violations of power grid safety corridors.
The electricity sector has also applied modern technologies such as live-line maintenance, flycams and thermal cameras to detect potential incidents early and ensure safe, continuous grid operation.
“Maintaining a stable power supply during the dry season is not only a technical task but also a prerequisite for farmers to confidently invest in and expand production, contributing to local socio-economic development,” said Phạm Anh Cường, head of the Technical Department at Gia Lai Power Company.
“With thorough preparation in operational plans, materials and manpower, the electricity sector is striving to keep power flowing smoothly and stand alongside local communities during the harsh dry season.”
