On 3rd March, Mr. Le Anh Duong – Deputy General Director of Hanoi Power Corporation (EVNHANOI) announced that starting from February 2024, EVNHANOI will change the schedule for meter reading to the end of the month instead of the beginning of the month as before.
Due to this change, the number of billing days for this period increased from 30 days to 57 days (customers have to pay for both January and February), resulting in almost double the electricity bill compared to the previous month.
Despite the high electricity bills, the rights of over 2.8 million electricity users in Hanoi are guaranteed, as the electricity consumption rates for each tariff are adjusted based on the actual number of days in the billing period.
Mr. Duong analyzed that previously, households would submit their meter readings on the 3rd of each month. However, with the new rule, the meter readings will be recorded on February 29th. Consequently, the actual number of days in this billing period is extended to 57 days. The kWh levels for tier 1 and tier 2 will be expanded from 50 kWh (as regulated) to 92 kWh, and tier 3 and tier 4 will be expanded from 100 units to 184 units.
Customers do not have to bear the burden of the new pricing calculation. (Photo: EVNHANOI)
Mr. Nguyen Dinh Thang – Deputy Director of Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade believes that the change in EVNHANOI’s electricity meter reading is necessary to ensure consistency in management, minimize errors in the meter reading and billing process, and guarantee fairness for all electricity customers.
Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) also stated that the change in the time of meter reading is being implemented and has a roadmap throughout the period from 2023 to 2025.
“During this period, each locality can choose a suitable time to switch to the new meter reading time based on the conditions in each area, and it is not necessary to do it immediately. Currently, provinces and cities in the South and Central regions have completed the switch, while some provinces and cities in the North are still in the process of implementation,” the EVN representative said.
Changing the time of meter reading does not affect the total amount of electricity used to be paid for. (Photo: EVNHANOI).
The change in electricity meter reading schedule aims to facilitate customers in monitoring their monthly electricity consumption and proactively making payments. It also helps businesses comply with accounting regulations.
“This work helps the power sector enhance the quality of customer services, accurately account for electricity revenue generated each month, and fulfill tax obligations to the State. It reflects the complete revenue in the financial year compliant with the incurred costs in the accounting year,” affirmed the EVN representative.
Earlier, many people were shocked to receive electricity bills that were doubled compared to previous periods. On social media, some expressed concerns that the combined billing for 2 months led to higher electricity tariff levels, resulting in a sudden increase in electricity bills.
