The HCM City People’s Committee has proposed that the Ministry of Ministry and Trade approve the city’s power transmission development plan with a total investment of about VND42.9 trillion (nearly US$1.9 billion).

The plan is expected to meet the city’s economic development target with average yearly GDP growth of 8 per cent during the period 2016-25.

Under the plan, about VND10.9 trillion ($478 million) will be spent on a 220kV transmission line, about VND13.4 trillion ($587 million) on the 110kV high-voltage distribution line, and about VND18.6 trillion ($815 million) on the medium and low-voltage distribution lines.

Several transformer stations also will be built, including the 220kV high-tech substations at Tan Cang, Dam Sen Park, Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Thu Thiem.

It will install a six-wire transmission line at Cau Bong- Hoc Mon, a four-wire transmission line at Cau Bong-Binh Chanh, a two-wire underground transmission line at Cat Lai- Tan Cang and a two-wire underground cable line at Phu Lam- Dam Sen and Dam Sen-Ba Queo-Tan Son Nhat.

In addition, the city will also upgrade many power transmission lines connecting Nhon Trach power plant with the Cat Lai - Thu Duc line, and build other high voltage, medium voltage and low voltage distribution lines.

In April, Electricity of Viet Nam (EVN) estimated total power demand in the city will increase by 10 per cent compared to 2016. Therefore, the city’s electricity sector has to ensure power supply to meet the needs of businesses and people during the dry season.

Accordingly, EVN will mobilise all energy sources of coal, gas turbines, hydropower and even oil to ensure power supply in the coming months.

The HCM City Electricity Corporation has built specific plans to supply power, preparing backup generators and necessary measures in case of power outages. — VNS