Circular No. 09/2010/TT-BCT stipulates the procedures for establishing, approving, and supervising the implementation of the national power system operation plan.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular prescribes principles, procedures for establishing, approving, and supervising the implementation of the national power system operation plan and stopping, reducing power supply in the national power system.

Article 2. Applicability

This Circular applies to the following entities:

1. Vietnam Electricity Corporation.

2. National Power System Dispatching Center.

3. National Power Transmission Corporation.

4. Electricity Trading Company.

5. Power Generation Units.

6. Electricity Supply Companies.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms are understood as follows:

1. Available capacity of the system is the total available capacity of all generating units in the power system and imported electricity within the same defined time period.

2. Available capacity of generating units is the maximum actual generating capacity of a generator that can operate stably and continuously over a defined period of time.

3. System security assessment is the evaluation of the stability and safety of power supply based on the balance between the available capacity of the system and the anticipated load of the system, taking into account constraints in the system and reserve power requirements as specified weekly for medium-term system security assessments and hourly for short-term system security assessments.

4. Guaranteed energy is the minimum monthly or weekly amount of electricity that the National Power System Dispatching Center announces that hydropower plants must be ready to generate to ensure the security of power supply for the national power system.

5. Power Generation Unit is the entity owning or managing and operating power plants with installed capacity exceeding 30 MW connected to the national power system.

6. Transmission grid is the transmission network including all transmission lines and substations at voltage levels of 220kV and above, and lines and substations at 110kV for receiving power from power plants into the system during normal maximum load conditions.

7. Limit water level is the lowest upstream water level of the hydropower reservoir at the end of each month in a year or at the end of each week in a month announced by the National Power System Dispatching Center.

8. Day D is the actual operation day.

9. BOT power plant is a power plant developed under the Build-Operate-Transfer model.

10. Stopping, reducing power supply is the act of stopping or reducing the power supply level to electricity companies at the request of the National Power System Dispatching Center when one of the following situations occurs:

a) System security is not guaranteed;

b) A part of the power system must be isolated due to maintenance or repair of electrical equipment, leading to loss of load;

c) Power source or transmission grid failure causing imbalance in power supply within the system.

11. Planned stopping, reducing power supply is the case where stopping or reducing power supply is expected to be implemented from 00:00 on Friday, counted from the date of announcement of stopping or reducing power supply by the National Power System Dispatching Center.

12. Sudden stopping, reducing power supply is the case where stopping or reducing power supply is expected to be implemented within the period from 24 hours after to the end of the fifth day counted from the date of announcement of stopping or reducing power supply by the National Power System Dispatching Center.

13. Emergency stopping, reducing power supply is the case where stopping or reducing power supply is implemented within 24 hours counted from the date of announcement of stopping or reducing power supply by the National Power System Dispatching Center.

14. Automatic load shedding according to frequency is the process of automatically disconnecting loads from the grid due to the impact of the frequency protection relay system when the system frequency drops below the specified threshold.

15. Operating generating units in the testing phase is the process of operating generating units during acceptance and testing operations.

Chapter II

PROCEDURES FOR ESTABLISHING AND APPROVING THE NATIONAL POWER SYSTEM OPERATION PLAN

Section 1

GENERATING SOURCE MOBILIZATION

Article 4. Principles for Mobilizing Power Sources

1. Adhere to requirements for flood prevention, irrigation, and maintaining ecological flow according to approved hydropower reservoir operation procedures.

2. Adhere to water level limits and guaranteed power capacity for hydropower plants to ensure electricity supply security.

3. Ensure primary fuel constraints for thermal power plants.

4. Ensure technical conditions permitting the operation of power generation units and transmission grids.

5. Ensure the implementation of agreements on production volume and capacity in electricity export-import contracts, electricity purchase-sale contracts of BOT power plants, and electricity purchase-sale contracts with production volume and capacity commitments from other power plants.

6. Ensure mobilization of power sources to minimize system-wide electricity procurement costs.

Article 5. Mobilizing Power Generation Units During Commissioning Operation Phase

1. The procedure for establishing and implementing operational plans for power plants and power generation units in the commissioning phase shall be as follows:

a) Power generation units with power plants and power generation units in the commissioning phase must establish and agree with the National Power System Dispatch Center on the commissioning operation plan.

b) Power generation units with power plants and power generation units in the commissioning phase must agree on payment terms for the commissioning operation process with the Electricity Trading Company.

c) The National Power System Dispatch Center is responsible for scheduling and mobilizing power generation units according to the agreed commissioning operation plan. Power generation units must comply with the commissioning operation plan, mobilization schedule, and dispatch orders from the National Power System Dispatch Center.

d) During system operation, if it is determined that the commissioning operation poses a threat to system security or if the power generation unit does not comply with the agreed commissioning operation plan, the National Power System Dispatch Center has the right to request the power generation unit to change or stop the commissioning operation. In case the power generation unit does not comply with the dispatch orders from the National Power System Dispatch Center, the National Power System Dispatch Center has the right to disconnect the commissioning power generation unit from the national power system.

đ) The National Power System Dispatch Center is responsible for publishing on its website and notifying power generation units with power plants or power generation units undergoing commissioning operations about reasons for changing or stopping the commissioning operation.

2. If the commissioning operation is changed, leading to the need to repeat part or all of the commissioning process, relevant units must re-establish and implement part or all of the commissioning operation plan as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article.

Section 2

LOAD FORECASTING

Article 6. Annual Load Forecasting

1. Annually, the National Power System Dispatch Center is responsible for calculating and forecasting the national power system's load for the upcoming year, regional systems in the North, Central, and South, and each Electricity Corporation.

2. Before August 1st each year, the Electricity Corporation is responsible for providing the National Power System Dispatch Center with information on the upcoming year's electricity load forecast, including:

a) Load for the entire corporation and at points of electricity delivery and receipt with the Electricity Trading Company and other Electricity Corporations;

b) Self-produced and purchased electricity from small power plants with installed capacity of up to 30 MW connected to the distribution grid;

c) Typical daily load profiles for working days, Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and special event days in each month of the upcoming year.

3. Before August 1st each year, the Electricity Trading Company is responsible for providing the National Power System Dispatch Center with data on electricity import and export for the upcoming year.

4. Results of the national power system's load forecast for the upcoming year include:

a) Total electricity consumption for the entire system for the upcoming year;

b) Electricity import and export volume for the upcoming year;

c) Maximum load and electricity consumption for each month in the upcoming year;

d) Typical daily load profiles for working days, Saturdays, and Sundays in each month of the upcoming year;

đ) Load profiles for holidays, Tet, and special event days in the upcoming year.

Article 7. Monthly Load Forecasting

1. Every month, the National Power System Dispatch Center shall be responsible for forecasting the load of the national power system, the three regions of North, Central, and South, and each Electricity Company for the upcoming month.

2. Before the 20th day of each month, the Electricity Company shall be responsible for providing to the National Power System Dispatch Center information on the load forecast for the upcoming month, including:

a) Load for the entire corporation and at points of electricity delivery and receipt with the Electricity Trading Company and other Electricity Corporations;

b) Self-produced and purchased electricity from small power plants with installed capacity of up to 30 MW connected to the distribution grid;

c) Updating typical daily load curves for working days, Saturdays, Sundays of each week, holidays, and special event days for the upcoming month.

3. Before the 20th day of each month, the Electricity Trading Company shall be responsible for providing to the National Power System Dispatch Center data on electricity consumption forecasts and import/export forecasts for the upcoming month.

4. The results of the national power system load forecast, the three regions of North, Central, and South, and each Electricity Company for the upcoming month include:

a) Electricity consumption volume for the upcoming month;

b) Electricity export/import volume for the upcoming month;

c) Maximum load capacity on the highest load day in the upcoming month;

d) Typical daily load curves for working days, Saturdays, and Sundays of each week in the upcoming month;

đ) Load curves for holidays, Tet, and special event days in the upcoming month.

Article 8. Weekly Load Forecasting

1. Every week, the National Power System Dispatch Center shall be responsible for calculating and forecasting the load of the national power system, the three regions of North, Central, and South, and each Electricity Company for the next two (02) weeks.

2. The results of the weekly load forecast for the national power system and the three regions of North, Central, and South, and each Electricity Company include:

a) 336-hour load for the next two weeks;

b) Total electricity consumption volume for each week in the next two weeks;

c) Maximum capacity each day in the next two weeks.

Article 9. Daily Load Forecasting

1. Every day, the National Power System Dispatch Center shall be responsible for calculating and forecasting the load of the national power system, the three regions of North, Central, and South, and each Electricity Company for the next day to serve the preparation of the operation mode for the next day.

2. The results of the load forecast for the national power system, the three regions of North, Central, and South, and each Electricity Company for the next day include:

a) 24-hour load for the next day;

b) Total electricity consumption volume for the next day;

c) Maximum capacity for the next day.

Section 3

SYSTEM SECURITY ASSESSMENT

Article 10. Medium-Term System Security Assessment

1. Medium-term system security assessment includes:

a) Annual system security assessment: Before August 15 each year. The National Power System Dispatch Center shall be responsible for calculating and announcing the results of the system security assessment for the next 52 weeks with the calculation time unit being the week;

b) Weekly system security assessment: Before 15:00 on Thursday each week, the National Power System Dispatch Center shall be responsible for calculating and announcing the results of the system security assessment for the next eight weeks with the calculation time unit being the week.

2. Before July 15 each year, the Vietnam Electricity Corporation shall be responsible for compiling and announcing the power generation development plan for the next year.

3. Power generation units, the National Power Transmission Corporation, the Electricity Trading Company, and the Electricity Companies shall be responsible for providing information to the National Power System Dispatch Center according to Articles 6, 7, 12, and 13 of this Circular.

4. Before the 20th day of each month, the Electricity Trading Company shall be responsible for updating the progress of construction of power plants, and the National Power Transmission Corporation shall be responsible for updating the progress of transmission network construction and providing it to the National Power System Dispatch Center.

5. The National Power System Dispatch Center shall be responsible for conducting medium-term system security assessments based on updated load information, system operation conditions, and investment construction progress of power plants and transmission networks.

6. The cost of medium-term system security assessment for the national power system includes:

a) Balancing electricity and capacity of the entire national power system and the three regions of North, Central, and South, taking into account unit constraints and transmission network constraints on a weekly basis;

b) Reserve capacity ratio of the national power system on a weekly basis;

c) Assessment of the expected operation mode of the transmission network, interconnection lines between regional power systems, or important transmission lines;

d) Emergency response plans for major incidents or abnormal situations that may severely impact system security.

7. In case the medium-term system security assessment results indicate a risk of system insecurity, the National Power System Dispatch Center shall be responsible for proposing solutions, submitting them for approval by the Vietnam Electricity Corporation, and reporting to the Electricity Regulatory Authority. Proposals and solutions to ensure system security include:

a) Adjusting and accelerating the progress of new power plant and transmission network projects;

b) Adjusting the power generation schedule of power plants;

c) Changing the maintenance and repair schedule of power plants and transmission networks;

d) Developing a load reduction plan if measures specified in points a, b, and c of this clause have been implemented but still fail to ensure power supply security.

8. Before October 1, the National Power System Dispatch Center shall be responsible for publishing on the power system's website the updated results of the medium-term system security assessment and approved response plans.

Article 11. Short-term System Security Assessment

1. The National Power System Dispatch Center shall be responsible for updating information and conducting short-term system security assessments daily for the next 14 days from 00 hours 00 minutes on day D+1 to 24 hours 00 minutes on day D+14 with the calculation unit being hours.

2. Before 15 hours 00 minutes each day, the National Power System Dispatch Center shall be responsible for publishing on the power system's electronic information website the results of the short-term system security assessment, including:

a) Power balance assessment for each hour, daily energy balance of the entire national power system and the three regions of North, Central, and South, taking into account the constraints of generating units, fuel and hydrological conditions, and transmission network capacity;

b) Total available capacity and reserve capacity level of the power system;

c) Assessment of the expected operation mode of the transmission network, interconnection lines between regional power systems, or important transmission lines;

d) Emergency response plans for major incidents or abnormal situations that may occur and significantly impact system security.

3. In cases where the short-term system security assessment indicates that system security is not assured, the National Power System Dispatch Center shall be responsible for proposing remediation measures and submitting them for approval by Vietnam Electricity Corporation.

SECTION 4

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PLAN FOR POWER SOURCES AND TRANSMISSION NETWORKS

Article 12. Annual Maintenance and Repair Plan for Power Sources and Transmission Networks

1. By August 1st each year, Power Generation Units and National Power Transmission Corporation shall be responsible for developing maintenance and repair plans for equipment and lines within their management and operation scope for the following year and registering with the National Power System Dispatch Center. Electric Power Companies shall be responsible for developing maintenance and repair plans for equipment and 110kV lines within their management and operation scope for the following year and registering with the National Power System Dispatch Center.

2. The National Power System Dispatch Center shall be responsible for developing maintenance and repair plans for the entire power source and transmission network based on the annual maintenance and repair plans of Power Generation Units, National Power Transmission Corporation, and Electric Power Companies, meeting the following requirements:

a) Ensuring power system security;

b) Optimizing the coordination of maintenance and repair of power sources and distribution networks.

3. By August 15th each year, the National Power System Dispatch Center shall be responsible for notifying the planned maintenance and repair of power sources and transmission networks to Power Generation Units, National Power Transmission Corporation, and Electric Power Companies.

4. In cases where it is impossible to implement the planned maintenance and repair of power sources and transmission networks, Power Generation Units, National Power Transmission Corporation, and Electric Power Companies must notify again and coordinate with the National Power System Dispatch Center to adjust.

5. The annual maintenance and repair plan for power sources and transmission networks must include the following contents:

a) Names of equipment and lines to be repaired and maintained;

b) Reasons for repairing and maintaining equipment and lines;

c) Main content of the work;

d) Expected start and end times for repair and maintenance work;

đ) Other related requirements for repair and maintenance work.

Article 13. Modification and Adjustment of Power Source Maintenance and Repair Plans and Power Grid Maintenance and Repair Plans.

Clause 1. The power source maintenance and repair plans and power grid maintenance and repair plans shall only be considered for adjustment in the following cases:

Point a) At the request of the Power Generation Unit, the National Power Transmission Corporation, and the Electricity Company in the following situations:

- Implementing power source maintenance and repair and power grid maintenance and repair according to the approved plan may lead to operational safety risks of equipment or violations of technical operation standards of related equipment;

- An incident occurs necessitating immediate maintenance and repair to restore equipment and lines to operation. In this case, the repair and maintenance of the faulty equipment will be combined with the previously approved maintenance and repair plan;

- It is impossible to implement the power source maintenance and repair or power grid maintenance and repair plan due to force majeure reasons.

Point b) At the request of the National Dispatch Center to ensure power system security.

Clause 2. The power source maintenance and repair plans and power grid maintenance and repair plans in the cases specified in point a, Clause 1 of this Article shall be adjusted according to the following procedures:

Point a) The Power Generation Unit, the National Power Transmission Corporation, and the Electricity Company must explain the reasons for the adjustment and resubmit the maintenance and repair plan to the National Dispatch Center;

Point b) The National Dispatch Center is responsible for reviewing the explanations of the units and adjusting the maintenance and repair plan in accordance with the new registration of the units;

Point c) If the reasons for the adjustment are deemed unreasonable, the National Dispatch Center has the right to require these units to continue implementing the plan that has been approved.

Clause 3. The power source maintenance and repair plans and power grid maintenance and repair plans in the case specified in point b, Clause 1 of this Article shall be adjusted according to the following procedures:

Point a) The National Dispatch Center must notify the Power Generation Unit, the National Power Transmission Corporation, and the Electricity Company of the proposed adjusted maintenance and repair plan and the reasons for the adjustment;

Point b) The Power Generation Unit, the National Power Transmission Corporation, and the Electricity Company are responsible for negotiating with the National Dispatch Center regarding the proposed adjusted maintenance and repair plan for the power sources and power grids;

Point c) If it is impossible to implement the maintenance and repair plan due to the proposal of the National Dispatch Center, the Power Generation Unit, the National Power Transmission Corporation, and the Electricity Company must explain the reasons. The National Dispatch Center must take necessary measures to ensure power system security;

Clause 4. The National Dispatch Center must explain the reasons for adjusting the power source maintenance and repair plans and power grid maintenance and repair plans, report to the Vietnam Electricity Group, and the Electricity Regulatory Authority.

Clause 5. The Power Generation Unit, the National Power Transmission Corporation, and the Electricity Company are responsible for implementing the adjusted maintenance and repair plans.

Clause 6. In emergency situations threatening the safety of equipment or power system security, the National Dispatch Center is permitted to delay the power source maintenance and repair plans and power grid maintenance and repair plans and is responsible for reporting to the Vietnam Electricity Group within 24 hours and announcing on the system's electronic information website.

MỤC 5

POWER SYSTEM OPERATING PLAN

Article 14. Annual Operation Plan

1. The National Load Dispatch Center shall be responsible for establishing the annual operation plan for the power system based on the power generation development plan, the load forecasting results for the year, the maintenance and repair plans for power sources and grids, the investment construction plans for grid development, the medium-term security assessment results for the next year, and the production volume and capacity constraints stipulated in electricity export and import contracts and electricity purchase and sale contracts provided by the Electricity Trading Corporation.

2. Before September 1st each year, the National Load Dispatch Center shall be responsible for submitting the annual operation plan for the power system to the Vietnam Electricity Corporation for approval.

3. Before September 15th each year, the Vietnam Electricity Corporation shall be responsible for approving the annual operation plan for the power system and submitting it to the Electricity Regulatory Authority for approval.

4. Before October 1st each year, the Electricity Regulatory Authority shall be responsible for reviewing and approving the annual operation plan based on the proposal from the Vietnam Electricity Corporation.

5. Before October 5th each year, the National Load Dispatch Center shall be responsible for notifying the approved annual operation plan for the power system to the Power Generation Units, the National Power Transmission Corporation, the Electricity Companies, the Electricity Trading Corporation, and publishing it on the power system's electronic information website.

6. The contents of the published annual operation plan for the power system include:

a) The national power system's load forecast for the upcoming year, the three regions' power systems in the North, Central, and South, and each Electricity Company;

b) The expected monthly and annual electricity production of each power plant in the upcoming year;

c) The water level of hydropower reservoirs at the end of each month in the upcoming year;

d) The maintenance and repair plans for power sources and grids each month in the upcoming year;

d) Warning of system security degradation (if any).

Article 15. Monthly Operation Plan

1. The National Load Dispatch Center shall be responsible for establishing the monthly operation plan for the power system based on the approved annual operation plan for the power system, the monthly load forecasting results, the updated maintenance and repair plans for power sources and grids, the investment construction plans for power sources and grids, and the medium-term security assessment results for the next eight (08) weeks.

2. Before the 22nd day of each month, the National Load Dispatch Center shall be responsible for submitting the monthly operation plan for the power system to the Vietnam Electricity Corporation for approval.

3. Before the 25th day of each month, the Vietnam Electricity Corporation shall be responsible for approving the monthly operation plan for the power system and reporting it to the Electricity Regulatory Authority for monitoring and supervision.

4. Within two (02) days after the monthly operation plan for the power system is approved, the National Load Dispatch Center shall be responsible for notifying the Power Generation Units, the National Power Transmission Corporation, the Electricity Companies, the Electricity Trading Corporation, and publishing it on the power system's electronic information website.

5. The contents of the published monthly operation plan for the power system include:

a) The national power system's load forecast for the upcoming month, the three regions' power systems in the North, Central, and South, and each Electricity Company;

b) The expected electricity production of each power plant in the upcoming month;

c) The water level of hydropower reservoirs at the end of each week in the upcoming month;

d) The maintenance and repair plans for power sources and grids in the upcoming month;

đ) Warning of system security degradation (if any).

Article 16. Weekly Operation Plan

1. Every week, the National Load Dispatch Center shall be responsible for establishing and submitting to the Vietnam Electricity Corporation for approval the system operation plan for the next two (02) weeks based on:

a) The approved monthly operation plan;

b) The results of weekly load forecasting;

c) The updated power source and grid maintenance and repair plan;

d) The short-term security assessment results for the next two weeks;

đ) The weekly operation plan established in the immediately preceding weekly scheduling cycle.

2. By 15:00 on every Thursday, the National Load Dispatch Center must notify the approved weekly operation plan to power generation units, the National Power Transmission Corporation, electricity companies, the Electricity Purchasing Company, and publish it on the system's electronic information website.

3. The contents of the published weekly system operation plan include:

a) The forecasted load for the next two weeks of the national power system, the three regions of North, Central, and South, and each electricity company;

b) The readiness status and available capacity of power plants for the next two weeks;

c) The expected generation volume and capacity of each power plant for the next two weeks;

d) Maintenance and repair schedules for power sources and grids for the next two weeks;

đ) The plan to stop or reduce power supply to electricity companies for the next two weeks.

PART 6

ESTABLISHING THE DAILY OPERATING METHOD AND REAL-TIME SYSTEM CONTROL

Article 17. Establishing the Next Day Operating Method

1. Every day, based on the approved weekly operation plan, the National Load Dispatch Center shall be responsible for establishing the next day operating method including the following contents:

a) The forecasted load for the next day of the national power system, the three regions of North, Central, and South, and each electricity company;

b) The total available capacity of the system and the available capacity of power plants in each hour of the next day;

c) The order of power plant dispatch;

d) The dispatch schedule of power plants in each hour of the next day;

đ) The list of frequency regulation and reserve power plants;

e) Maintenance and repair schedules for power sources and grids;

g) The power and energy that need to be reduced by electricity companies (if any);

h) Requirements and notes for units.

2. In case the forecasted load for the next day (power and energy) differs by more than five percent from the load of the day in the approved weekly operation plan, the National Load Dispatch Center shall be responsible for reporting to the Vietnam Electricity Corporation for approval.

3. By 15:00 daily, the National Load Dispatch Center must notify the next day operating method to the National Power Transmission Corporation, electricity companies, power plants, and publish it on the system's electronic information website.

Article 18. Real-Time Control

1. The National Load Dispatch Center is responsible for real-time control of the power system based on the next day operating method. Units are responsible for coordinating and implementing the command orders of the National Load Dispatch Center according to the National Power System Control Procedures issued together with Decision No. 56/2001/QĐ-BCN dated November 26, 2001, of the Minister of Industry, and other related procedures and regulations.

2. In case of abnormal changes in system load, incidents causing changes in grid structure, or insufficient system available capacity threatening system security, the National Load Dispatch Center may control the power system differently from the next day operating method.

3. Before 09:00 on day D+1, the National Load Dispatch Center must publish on the system's electronic information website actual dispatch information of power plants, operational conditions during the day, actual power and energy reductions, changes compared to the published next day operating method, and reasons for the changes.

Chapter III

STOPPING OR REDUCING POWER SUPPLY

Section 1

GENERAL PROVISIONS ON STOPPING OR REDUCING POWER SUPPLY

Article 19. General Provisions on the Suspension and Reduction of Power Supply

1. Principles for Suspension and Reduction of Power Supply

a) The suspension or reduction of power supply shall only be implemented when the system capacity reserve ratio, based on the results of the system security assessment, falls below the permissible level;

b) In cases where the system capacity reserve ratio remains within the permissible limits but there are transmission limitations on the transmission grid that necessitate the local suspension or reduction of power supply to certain areas, such actions shall only be carried out after the National Power System Dispatch Center has taken all necessary measures on the grid (such as changing grid connections, utilizing maximum reactive power compensation devices, line and transformer capacities...) and other necessary measures without ensuring continuous power supply;

c) The suspension or reduction of power supply must take into account the importance of loads to minimize impacts on national security, social life, production, and daily living in the affected areas.

2. The National Power System Dispatch Center is responsible for calculating and formulating plans for the suspension and reduction of power supply according to schedule, to be submitted for approval by Vietnam Electricity Corporation and promptly notified to relevant units for implementation. The National Power System Dispatch Center is directly responsible for commanding and implementing emergency measures to suspend or reduce power supply to ensure system security.

3. The National Power System Dispatch Center is responsible for formulating plans for the suspension and reduction of power supply according to the automatic load shedding system based on frequency on the transmission grid and distribution networks at voltage levels of 110kV and above; calculating and allocating the amount of capacity to be cut on the medium-voltage grid of each Power Company, submitting for approval by Vietnam Electricity Corporation, and publishing on the system's electronic information website.

4. Power Companies are responsible for formulating plans for the suspension and reduction of power supply according to the automatic load shedding system based on frequency on the medium-voltage grid to ensure the correct amount of capacity is cut as allocated, reporting to the National Power System Dispatch Center at least two (02) days before implementation for monitoring and supervision, and publication on the system's electronic information website.

Article 20. Cases of Planned Suspension and Reduction of Power Supply

Planned suspension and reduction of power supply includes the following cases:

1. When the system capacity reserve ratio for the week is less than 5% or does not ensure the balance between supply and demand for electricity based on the results of the medium-term system security assessment, or the hourly system capacity reserve ratio is less than 3% based on the short-term system security assessment plan, leading to the need to implement suspension or reduction of power supply to ensure system capacity reserve.

2. When the transmission system is overloaded based on the results of the system security assessment, leading to the need to locally suspend or reduce power supply to certain areas.

3. Suspension or reduction of power supply to carry out maintenance and repair of power sources, transmission grids, and distribution networks as planned for weekly operation.

Article 21. Cases of sudden cessation or reduction of power supply

Sudden cessation or reduction of power supply includes the following cases:

1. When the system's hourly reserve capacity ratio is less than three percent (3%) based on the results of short-term power system security assessment, leading to the need to cease or reduce power supply to ensure the system's reserve capacity.

2. When the transmission system is overloaded based on the results of short-term power system security assessment, leading to the need to cease or reduce power supply in certain areas.

3. The maintenance and repair schedule for power sources and grids in the weekly operation plan differs from the approved weekly operation plan.

Article 22. Emergency cases of cessation or reduction of power supply

Emergency cessation or reduction of power supply includes the following cases:

1. When the frequency of the power system drops below the specified threshold, causing the automatic load shedding system to activate.

2. When there is an abnormal change in electricity demand resulting in insufficient available system capacity or an incident that affects short-term power system security, necessitating a change in daily operational methods.

Section 2

PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE CESSATION OR REDUCTION OF POWER SUPPLY

Article 23. Procedures for implementing planned cessation or reduction of power supply

1. Planned cessation or reduction of power supply shall be carried out according to the weekly operation plan established and published by the National Power System Dispatch Center in accordance with Article 16 of this Circular.

2. In case of changes to the planned cessation or reduction of power supply, such changes must be announced in the immediately preceding weekly operation plan, and if the cessation or reduction occurs more than six (6) days after the announcement date, the National Power System Dispatch Center must notify the Electricity Companies about the changes in the planned cessation or reduction of power supply.

3. The planned cessation or reduction of power supply by the National Power System Dispatch Center must include the following contents:

a) Areas affected by the cessation or reduction of power supply;

b) Reasons for the cessation or reduction of power supply;

c) Capacity and quantity of power to be ceased or reduced;

d) Time and duration of the planned commencement and completion of the cessation or reduction of power supply.

4. Based on the planned cessation or reduction of power supply by the National Power System Dispatch Center, the Electricity Companies are responsible for establishing their own plans for cessation or reduction of power supply and promptly notifying customers in accordance with Clause 1 of Article 7 of the Regulations on Conditions, Procedures, and Formalities for Cessation or Reduction of Power Supply issued by Decision No. 39/2005/QĐ-BCN dated December 23, 2005 of the Minister of Industry.

Article 24. Procedures for implementing sudden cessation or reduction of power supply

1. In the event of sudden cessation or reduction of power supply, the National Power System Dispatch Center must promptly notify the Electricity Companies.

2. The notification of cessation or reduction of power supply by the National Power System Dispatch Center must include the following contents:

a) Areas affected by the cessation or reduction of power supply;

b) Reasons for the cessation or reduction of power supply;

c) Capacity and quantity of power to be ceased or reduced;

d) Time and duration of the planned commencement and completion of the cessation or reduction of power supply.

3. Within sixteen (16) hours of receiving the plan for cessation or reduction of power supply from the National Power System Dispatch Center, the Electricity Company is responsible for developing a plan to implement the cessation or reduction of power supply and notifying customers who use over 100,000 kWh/month and important customers through one of the following methods: written notice, telegram, telephone, fax, email as agreed upon in the power purchase and sale contract. Publicly announce the notification to other organizations and individuals using electricity as soon as possible but not later than the time of cessation or reduction of power supply.

Article 25. Procedure for stopping and reducing emergency power supply

1. In cases where emergency power supply stoppage or reduction must be implemented, the National Power System Dispatch Center shall be responsible for:

a) Calculating the allocation of load to be reduced, commanding units to execute orders to stop or reduce power supply according to dispatch instructions, and immediately notifying power companies to coordinate in implementation;

b) Implementing necessary measures to ensure power system security in accordance with the National Power System Dispatch Procedures issued pursuant to Decision No. 56/2001/QD-BCN dated November 26, 2001 of the Minister of Industry, the National Power System Incident Handling Procedures issued pursuant to Decision No. 13/2007/QD-BCN dated March 13, 2007 of the Minister of Industry, and related procedures and regulations for power supply stoppage or reduction due to automatic load shedding caused by frequency impact.

2. After an emergency power supply stoppage or reduction occurs, the National Power System Dispatch Center shall perform the following tasks:

a) Determining the cause, scope of impact, and estimated time for resuming power supply, and informing affected power companies;

b) Cooperating with relevant units to promptly address incidents to restore power supply as quickly as possible.

3. Power companies shall be responsible for strictly implementing load shedding orders from the National Power System Dispatch Center, coordinating with the National Power System Dispatch Center to address incidents and restore power supply to customers as quickly as possible, and notifying customers as soon as possible but not later than 24 hours in accordance with the Regulations on Conditions, Procedures, and Formalities for Stopping and Reducing Power Supply issued pursuant to Decision No. 39/2005/QD-BCN dated December 23, 2005 of the Minister of Industry.

Chapter IV

REPORTING SYSTEM

Article 26. Reporting Requirements of the Vietnam Electricity Corporation

1. Before February 15 each year, the Vietnam Electricity Corporation shall be responsible for reporting to the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Electricity Regulatory Authority the following contents:

a) Summary and evaluation of power supply conditions in the previous year including:

- Official data on total electricity production and sales volume of the entire system, electricity production of each power plant, and import/export volumes;

- Total energy losses of the entire system, transmission grid (500 kV, 220 kV), and power companies;

- Average electricity selling price nationwide and for each power company;

- Reduced electricity production (if any).

b) Progress of construction and new investment projects for power sources and transmission grids in the previous year.

2. Before December 1 each year, the Vietnam Electricity Corporation shall be responsible for reporting to the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Electricity Regulatory Authority the power supply plan for the upcoming year including:

a) Preliminary assessment of power supply conditions in the current year, estimating total electricity production of the entire power system, import/export volumes, sales volume, energy losses, and reduced electricity production (if any);

b) Forecast of demand and electricity production within and outside the Vietnam Electricity Corporation's system for the national power system, northern, central, and southern regions, and power companies for the upcoming year;

c) Assessment of power supply security and necessary measures to ensure power supply security when there is a warning of insufficient power sources leading to potential power supply stoppage or reduction in the upcoming year;

d) List and progress of construction of new transmission grids and power plants within and outside the Vietnam Electricity Corporation's system.

3. The Vietnam Electricity Corporation shall be responsible for reporting to the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Electricity Regulatory Authority in case of prolonged power supply stoppage or reduction due to insufficient power sources in the national power system, and upon request.

Article 27. Reporting System of the National Power Dispatch Center

1. Annual Report

Before January 31 each year, the National Power Dispatch Center shall be responsible for reporting to the Electricity Regulatory Authority and Vietnam Electricity Corporation on the operation of the power system in the previous year, including:

a) Load situation

- The annual electricity generation of the national power system, the three regions of North, Central, and South, and exported electricity;

- Load growth rate, load factor;

- Typical daily load diagrams for the year;

- Maximum and minimum system capacity during the year.

b) Power supply interruption and reduction situation: Number of interruptions and reductions, reasons leading to interruptions and reductions, maximum capacity interrupted or reduced, total interrupted or reduced electricity generation;

c) Operation situation of the 500kV, 220kV, and 110kV transmission networks including:

- Incident rates, incidents, and abnormalities;

- Voltage quality at 500kV and 220kV nodes;

- Areas experiencing overload or full load;

- Operating status of relay protection systems, frequency-based load shedding systems, and communication systems on the network;

- Major maintenance and repair work on the transmission network;

- New projects and related information.

d) Power source situation:

- Power source structure, utilization of various types of power sources during the year;

- Annual electricity generation of power plants;

- Incident rates; - Fuel and hydrological conditions;

- Major maintenance and repair work on power plants;

- New power sources and related information;

đ) Summary and evaluation of power system security during the year;

e) Existing issues and recommendations for solutions.

2. Monthly Report

Before the 5th day of each month, the National Power Dispatch Center shall be responsible for reporting to the Electricity Regulatory Authority and Vietnam Electricity Corporation on the operation of the power system in the previous month, including:

a) Power supply interruption and reduction situation: Number of interruptions and reductions, reasons leading to interruptions and reductions, total interrupted or reduced electricity generation;

b) Monthly electricity generation, average daily electricity generation of the national power system and the three regions of North, Central, and South;

c) Maximum and minimum capacity of the national power system and the three regions of North, Central, and South;

d) Fuel and hydrological conditions of each power plant;

đ) Major maintenance and repair work and incidents on the network and power sources, information about new projects put into operation on the power system.

Before the 5th day of each month, the National Power Dispatch Center shall be responsible for reporting to the Electricity Regulatory Authority and Vietnam Electricity Corporation on the operation of the power system in the previous month, including:

3. Weekly Report

Before 16:00 on Friday each week, the National Power Dispatch Center shall be responsible for reporting to the Electricity Regulatory Authority and Vietnam Electricity Corporation on the operation of the power system from the previous Friday to the current Thursday via the email address announced by the Electricity Regulatory Authority and Vietnam Electricity Corporation. Information reported includes:

b) Weekly electricity generation, average daily electricity generation of the national power system and the three regions of North, Central, and South;

c) Maximum and minimum capacity of the national power system and the three regions of North, Central, and South;

d) Fuel and hydrological conditions;

5. Special Reports

đ) Maintenance, repair, and incident situations on the network and power sources, new projects.

4. Daily Report

Before 07:00 each day, the National Power Dispatch Center shall be responsible for reporting to the Electricity Regulatory Authority and Vietnam Electricity Corporation on the operation of the power system and power supply interruptions and reductions (if any) the previous day via the email address announced by the Electricity Regulatory Authority and Vietnam Electricity Corporation.

Article 28. Reporting System of the National Transmission Corporation

1. Annual Report

By January 31 each year, the National Transmission Corporation shall be responsible for reporting to the Electricity Regulatory Authority and Vietnam Electricity the following contents:

a) Summary of transmission grid operation work for the preceding year including:

- Consolidation of official data on electricity generation and consumption on the transmission grid;

- Electricity loss;

- Number of incidents and incident rates of transmission lines and substations on the transmission grid at each voltage level.

b) Progress in implementing investment and renovation projects on the transmission grid for the preceding year and for the following year.

2. Monthly Report

By the fifth day of each month, the National Transmission Corporation shall be responsible for reporting to the Electricity Regulatory Authority and Vietnam Electricity the results of operation work and progress in implementing investment and renovation projects on the transmission grid for the preceding month.

3. Emergency Reports

The National Transmission Corporation shall be responsible for reporting when requested by the Electricity Regulatory Authority and Vietnam Electricity.

Article 29. Reporting System of Power Companies

1. Annual Report

By January 31 each year, power companies shall be responsible for reporting to the Electricity Regulatory Authority and Vietnam Electricity the following contents:

a) Summary of operation work for the preceding year including:

- Consolidation of official data on total electricity sales volume of the company, electricity production and purchase from power plants with capacity up to 30 MW connected to the company's grid, import and export electricity volumes;

- Number of incidents and incident rates of transmission lines and substations on the grid at each voltage level;

- Total electricity loss of the company and at each voltage level;

- Average electricity selling price;

- Situation of power supply interruption and reduction.

b) Progress in implementing investment and renovation projects on the 110kV grid and total investment value of medium and low voltage grids for the preceding year and forecast for the current year.

2. Monthly Report

By the fifth day of each month, power companies shall be responsible for reporting to the Electricity Regulatory Authority and Vietnam Electricity the results of operation and electricity business work for the preceding month.

3. Emergency Reports

Power companies shall be responsible for reporting when requested by the Electricity Regulatory Authority and Vietnam Electricity.

Chapter V

SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES AND HANDLING OF VIOLATIONS

Article 30. Resolution of Disputes

1. In case disputes arise among related units in the implementation of this Circular, the units must resolve them through negotiation.

2. In case disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation, the units have the right to submit the matter to the Electricity Regulatory Authority for resolution.

Article 31. Handling Violations

Any violation during the implementation of this Circular will be handled according to the provisions of laws on penalties for violations in the electricity sector.

Chapter VI

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 32. Implementation Organization

1. The Electricity Regulatory Authority shall be responsible for disseminating, guiding, and inspecting the implementation of this Circular.

2. The National Dispatch Center shall be responsible for:

a) Completing the construction of the electronic information system of the power system within three (03) months from the date this Circular takes effect to publish information;

b) Completing the construction of operational procedures serving the operation and dispatch of the power system, including the plan for mobilizing power sources, including objectives and constraints specified in Article 4 of this Circular within three (03) months from the date this Circular takes effect, submitting to the Electricity Regulatory Authority for approval and issuance;

c) Publishing on the electronic information system of the power system the list of software tools used in the planning work for system operation and power source mobilization plans according to approved procedures.

3. During the implementation of this Circular, if there are any issues, the relevant units must promptly report to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Electricity Regulatory Authority for adjustment and supplementation to ensure compliance.

Article 33. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from April 18, 2010 until the date the competitive power generation market officially operates as decided by the Minister of Industry and Trade.

2. Repeal Article 58, Article 60, Article 62, Article 64, and Article 66 of the National Power System Dispatch Procedures issued together with Decision No. 56/2001/QĐ-BCN dated November 26, 2001 of the Minister of Industry.

3. The Director of the Electricity Regulatory Authority, the Head of the Ministry’s Office, the Inspector General of the Ministry, the Heads of Departments and Bureaus under the Ministry related to this matter, the General Director of Vietnam Electricity, and the Directors of power units are responsible for enforcing this Circular./.