Second power price relief package proves timely and effective
Second power price relief package proves timely and effective
Vietnam Electricity (EVN) under the direction of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) extended its price reduction for three months, from October to December 2020, providing a second three-month relief package for families and business affected by the Covid-19 epidemic.
|
Timely policy
The assistance included payment exemptions for localities used to quarantine and test suspected and confirmed Covid-19 patients. Clinics providing checkups, tests and treatment of suspected Covid-19 patients received a 20-percent discount in their power bills. Centers charging for quarantine services were not eligible for the support. Tourist accommodations and businesses operating warehouses were eligible for a discount level applicable to manufacturing industries.
According to the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam (ERAV) under MoIT, over 85 percent of more than 26 million local EVN customers consume below 300 kWh/month.
The ERAV said the second support package reflects the power industry’s responsibility for the lives of those affected by the Covid-19 epidemic. “Apart from support for people and businesses, the package will also help ease difficulties for the poor and disadvantaged,” said the ERAV.
|
Enjoying benefits
According to economic experts, in addition to the direct cash support package for vulnerable families, this is a direct and effective measure, easing financial difficulties for individuals and business.
The second electricity price discount was well received. Nguyen Thi Ha from Hanoi’s Nam Tu Liem District said her family usually uses 100-150 kWh per month outside the hottest months. The 10-percent reduction will save the family hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese dong every month. “Although the discount is not so much, it partly eases the difficulties for the family. These support policies are very practical,” she said.
A representative of Dang Tuan Production, Trading, Services in Thua Thien-Hue Province said the company pays about VND60-70 million monthly for electricity. Thus, a 10-percent discount for three months would save it more than VND20 million. Although this is a small amount for the company, it encourages businesses in general to overcome the difficulties caused by the epidemic.
“I highly appreciate the timely participation of the government, the MoIT and the electricity sector to provide support and share difficulties with people and businesses in order to achieve post-Covid 19 economic recovery,” said Vietnam Energy Association Chair Tran Viet Ngai.
|
According to Vietnam Energy Association Chair Tran Viet Ngai, electricity production and consumption will be very high in the final months of the year, making the MoIT’s timely directions particularly relevant for households and businesses across the country. |
