Da Nang wants summertime energy saved after dark

A document issued by the Da Nang People’s Committee on Monday said higher temperatures have driven up energy demand in the central Vietnam beach town.

The uptick caused energy production in late April and early May to be at 9.3 million kWh a day on average, while maximum production has been over 10.6 million kWh, a 17.5% increase from the same period in 2022, the committee said as cited by Government News.

To ensure a safe energy supply, the committee has ordered local authorities to ensure that unused electrical devices are turned off and that air conditioners are only on when needed. The order also states that units should be set at no less than 26 degrees Celsius, among other recommendations.

All lighting used for decoration and advertisements by local residents must be turned off every day starting 8 p.m., according to the order.

Restaurants, hotels, malls, office and apartment complexes must also reduce energy consumption for outdoor advertisements and decorative lighting by 50% after 8 p.m.

Vietnam is going through one of its hottest summer due to El Nino impacts and there have been concerns of power supply shortage, given high demands and hydropower dams drying up.

Early this month, Da Nang authorities had warned about the risk of water shortages over the next three months and improper water discharge from hydroelectric plants.