Tiếng ViệtThe National Assembly has officially adopted the Revised Electricity Law under the leadership of Vice Chairman Nguyen Duc Hai, with 91.65% of the participating delegates in support.
Prior to its approval, the draft of the Revised Electricity Law underwent a meticulous process of development and revision. During the 8th session, based on contributions from the Government, National Assembly delegates, and relevant agencies, the National Assembly Standing Committee directed the further study, incorporation of feedback, and finalization of the draft content. As a result, the number of articles in the Law was reduced from 130 to 81, with only 11 new articles added compared to the current law.
A key highlight of the Revised Electricity Law is the provisions aimed at enhancing the consistency and coherence of the legal system, particularly in areas such as planning, investment, and bidding. These aspects have been carefully reviewed to avoid duplication and ensure alignment with the Law on the Promulgation of Legal Documents, while clearly outlining the application of the law. The new provisions focus on mobilizing investment funds and emphasize the State’s support for electricity bills for poor households and individuals benefiting from social policies.
The Law also places considerable attention on the development of the renewable energy power system. Based on the feedback from National Assembly delegates, the draft Law has been amended to ensure transparency, prevent violations, and avoid the misuse of policies. The content includes provisions on basic research into renewable energy resources, new energy power, the development of self-produced and self-consumed electricity from renewable and new energy sources, as well as offshore wind power development.
At a press conference on December 20 at the Office of the President of Vietnam, Mr. Truong Thanh Hoai, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, provided information regarding rooftop solar power. The legal provisions are relatively clear, but certain technical issues, which are crucial to ensuring the stability of the electricity system, such as the proportion of renewable energy, will be regulated according to each period and depend on Vietnam’s grid infrastructure
The Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade stated: “If the base power source develops well, we will have room to expand renewable energy. However, if the base source develops slowly and in limited capacity, solutions such as energy storage batteries will be implemented to balance the electricity system.”
Regarding electricity prices and the electricity market, the Revised Electricity Law has set a roadmap to gradually eliminate cross-subsidization between customer groups and regions. However, its implementation needs to be carefully studied and evaluated to ensure feasibility. The Law also assigns the Government the responsibility to specify regulations on electricity prices, power purchase agreements, and related issues to protect the interests of all parties involved in the market.
According to the plan, the Revised Electricity Law will take effect from February 1, 2025. The adoption of this law will not only contribute to improving the legal system in the electricity sector but also promote transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in Vietnam’s electricity industry in the future.