On Apr 12, the Governemnt approved the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s proposal on electricity price cut for citizens and businesses during April, May and June, which is considered a prompt solution to ease Covid-19 burden, especially for Quang Ninh - a province with large population size and many businesses operating in manufacturing, tourism and services heavily affected by the disease.
Ms. Ngo Thi Thuy, Director of Ha Long Post Office Hotel said “Since March, my hotel has been one of the places offering pay-to-stay service. Quarantine people enjoy 3-star service with 50% discount for room charge and 70% discount for dining and other espenses. Their health is supervised as regulated. 20% cut in electricity bills will save 3-4 million VND a month for hotels and tourist accommodations, which in turn will help us serve quarantine process better”.
Ms. Dinh Thi Thu Ha living at Group 25, Zone 3, Cao Thang Ward, Ha Long City said “10% reduction in electricity prices for households with consumption below 300kWh per month will be a relief for disadvantaged families during this social distancing time when there may be people lose their jobs or their jobs have to be postponed”
It can be seen that the support package has received good response from citizens and businesses. Quang Ninh has nearly 420,000 electricity consumers, including more than 398,000 household consumers and 21,000 business consumers.
By the end of the first quarter of 2020, electricity consumption reached nearly 347 million kWh (an increase of 8% over the same period last year). Therefore, the Government approval on electricity price cut in three months will support Quang Ninh with a significant amount of 230 billion VND,
However, as hot season is coming. Pupils, students, and a great number of people have been at home for long due to Covid-19 spirals and it is likely an increase in electricity consumption. In order to reduce electricity bills, consumers should practice electricity savings.
Translated by Quynh Trang
