Vietnam PM says power shortages may last until May 25; govt starts planned blackouts as heat stretches grid

HANOI, May 20 (Bloomberg): Vietnam began planned nationwide blackouts as the country struggles to meet surging power demand amid extreme hot weather.

Power shortages may occur in some areas through May 25 due to heat wave as electricity usage increases and drought slashes water levels in hydropower reservoirs, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh says in a meeting last night, according to the government’s website.