Starting from May 4, the average electricity retail price was raised from VND1,864.44 per kWh to VND1,920.37 (excluding value-added tax), an increase of 3% compared to that of the current average electricity retail price.

The hike inevitably affects all aspects of activities. Therefore, businesses, households and residents are forced to have a reasonable and economical electricity use plan to balance costs, and ensure production and consumption as well.

Da Nang-based enterprises have taken the initiative to improve technology and save electricity to balance costs and ensure production. IN THE PHOTO: Manufacturing activities are seen at the Da Nang Rubber Joint Stock Company (DRC). Photo: MAI QUE

Innovate technology, proactively save

Deploying power-saving solutions is the direction that city-based businesses have been implementing to reduce production costs.

Since 2021, the Da Nang Rubber JSC (DRC) has invested in many new, modern and energy-efficient equipment such as closed smelting lines, and vulcanising and forming machines that are imported from Germany and Italy.

Notably, the company has had the solar power system installed with a combined capacity of nearly 4MWp.

Additionally, the company has replaced fluorescent light bulbs with led ones, installed a cooling system at the bicycle-motorcycle tube factory, and reduced idling time by using inverters to control the pressure in the air compressor system.

Besides, the company has launched many technical improvement programmes from employees such as installing 7 15kW inverters for motors of rolling mills at the bicycle-motorcycle factory, replacing the 60kW chiller generator for the cooling water tank at the rolling mill with two 22kW CS cooling towers, and changing the operation process of the 240kW open smelter at the rolling mill, thereby contributing to optimal energy saving in production activities.

DRC General Director Le Hoang Khanh Nhut added that, in addition to technology innovation, the company has established an Energy Saving Committee to master the spirit of maximum energy saving. Thanks to this, electricity prices now account for only 3-5% of production costs instead of 10-12% as before. The company's direction next time is to utilise energy from rooftop solar to further reduce costs.

Similarly, the INTELTECH Technology Application and Solutions Company Limited based in Cam Le District has actively invested in machines to improve technology since mid-2022.

The use of modern machines helps the company save many production costs, including a reduction of 40-50% of the cost of electricity consumption.

However, there are many companies that do not have enough resources to improve technology such as the Da Nang Mechanical - Metal Co., Ltd based in Lien Chieu District

Mr. Nguyen Lien, Director of the company, said that all input costs such as water, labour protection, insurance, raw materials and transportation costs have increased over the years. However, workers' wages and benefits cannot be reduced but must remain the same to retain employees.

Therefore, in order to adapt to the new electricity price, the company has to arrange working schedules and machines more conveniently and scientifically, not allowing the engine to operate with low productivity.

Efficient use of electricity

Before adjusting the current retail price of electricity, the effective and economical use is a solution that many people are interested in.

Mr. Do Van Phu, residing in Man Thai Ward, Son Tra District, said that his family is renting a room. The total cost of household electricity bills and rentals ranges from VND3-4 million/month.

Normally, in the hot season, his family's demand for electrical appliances increases sharply. To save money, he limits the use of many devices, disconnecting power tools that generate unnecessary heat.

Meanwhile, every month, the Thao Sinh production and business establishment located at 86 Pham Nhu Tang, Thanh Khe District, has to pay about VND5-6 million in electricity bill for production.

Mr. Nguyen Phi Sinh, the owner of the facility, said that the increase in electricity prices will affect the production and business situation of family-run households in the locality.

However, this is a common situation, so units need to balance costs, use electricity economically and effectively to ensure production costs and profits. In the near future, the facility will adjust the working time and save maximum electricity while still ensuring the production and business situation.

According to the Da Nang Power Company Limited (Da Nang PC), in the hot season, the demand for electrical equipment increases, leading to the hike in the total electricity consumption.

Therefore, Da Nang PC recommends customers to use electricity effectively, safely and economically. Heed is on turning off electrical appliances when not in use, regular cleaning electricity equipment to operate stably and economically, and buying energy-saving, power-efficient green label electrical equipment suitable for use needs.

On the other hand, customers should switch off unnecessary electrical appliances before leaving the house or when sleeping.

Reporting by M.QUE, V.HOANG - Translating by M.DUNG