Vietnamese officials have once again urged major manufacturers, including iPhone maker Foxconn, to curb their electricity usage by 30%. This request comes amidst concerns over strained power infrastructure and the potential for shortages in the country.
This isn't the first time Vietnam has made such a plea. Back in June 2023, during a period of drought and increased demand, a similar request was issued to alleviate pressure on the power grid. Now, with ongoing expansion efforts by companies like Foxconn, the strain on Vietnam's infrastructure has only intensified.
While the government has framed the request as "an encouragement," the need for action is clear. Power outages in 2023 reportedly led to significant production losses estimated at $1.4 billion. To prevent further disruptions, authorities have even asked coal-fired power plants to delay maintenance until after the hottest months.
For Foxconn, finding solutions to mitigate the impact of power shortages is critical. Reports suggest the company is considering building its own generators to ensure uninterrupted operations.
It's worth noting that similar challenges have been observed in China, where industrial users faced production halts to prioritize residential power supplies. As global manufacturers continue to shift operations to Southeast Asia, managing energy consumption becomes increasingly paramount for both businesses and governments alike.