Don't let kites become a threat to the power grid.

When kites become a real threat

Between May 1st and July 31st, 2026, 118 power grid incidents caused by kite flying occurred in Nghe An province. The highest number of incidents were in areas managed by Dien Chau, Nghi Loc, Do Luong, and Quynh Luu Power Companies. Few people know that behind each power outage caused by illegal kite flying lies a rigorous technical process for handling and restoring operation.

The incident not only disrupted the power supply but also cost the electricity industry significant time, manpower, and resources to rectify. This involved identifying the cause, isolating the affected area, quarantining the power grid at the fault point, mobilizing personnel, materials, and equipment for repair, and quickly restoring operation and power supply to the public after ensuring absolute safety conditions. During this time, many business production activities were disrupted, commercial establishments were affected, and people's lives were inevitably disrupted, reducing the reliability of the power supply system. It is worth noting that most of these incidents could have been completely prevented if people had chosen suitable locations for kite flying.

Currently, in addition to traditional kites made of paper, fabric, and nylon with bamboo frames and fishing line, the market also features many types of kites made from modern materials, using metal frames, metal wires, or components that conduct electricity, increasing the risk of accidents and electrical incidents. Many people still believe that only kites with metal parts are dangerous, while traditional kites are safe; this is an incorrect notion. In reality, for medium and high voltage power lines, regardless of whether it's a traditional kite or one made from modern materials, if the kite or kite line encroaches on the safety protection corridor of the power grid, it can cause electrical discharge, leading to power grid failures and directly threatening human lives.

Even more concerning, when kites get caught in power lines, many people resort to using poles, metal objects, or climbing power poles to retrieve them. This is extremely dangerous because high voltage can discharge through the air when safe distances are violated; even without direct contact, it can lead to particularly serious electrical accidents.

Let's join hands so that the kite carries only joy.

Over the past period, Nghe An Power Company has proactively coordinated closely with local authorities, functional forces, schools, and mass organizations, as well as news agencies, to implement various forms of propaganda on protecting the safety corridor of the power grid, such as distributing leaflets, broadcasting on local radio systems, using mobile loudspeakers on roads and residential areas, disseminating information on social media, and integrating the content into extracurricular activities in schools and community activities…

Nevertheless, the practice of flying kites near power lines continues to recur in many places every summer. This reality shows that awareness campaigns are only truly effective when coupled with family involvement in managing and reminding children to choose safe places to play, and above all, the self-awareness of each citizen in complying with regulations on protecting the safety corridor of the power grid to prevent unfortunate incidents and accidents.

Mr. Pham Cong Thanh, Director of Nghe An Power Company, said: "Every incident caused by kites getting entangled in power lines can disrupt electricity supply and affect the lives and production of people and businesses. However, what we are most concerned about is not the operational damage or the cost of repairs, but the risk of serious electrical accidents for people, especially young children. Protecting the safety corridor of the power grid is not only the responsibility of the power industry but also requires the cooperation of the whole society. Every kite flown in the right place and in the right way will contribute to protecting the safety of the community and keeping the power supply operating safely, continuously, and stably."

Sanctions and warnings for the public.

According to Government Decree No. 133/2026/ND-CP, effective from May 25, 2026, individuals who fly kites or other flying objects, or engage in activities that endanger the safety of power infrastructure, may be fined from 20 million to 30 million VND and required to take remedial measures as prescribed by law. However, penalties are only a deterrent; what is more important is the self-awareness of each citizen in complying with regulations on protecting the safety corridor of the power grid.

Nghe An Power Company advises people to absolutely refrain from flying kites under or near power lines, substations, and other electrical infrastructure; not to use metal wires or other conductive materials to make kite strings; and not to attempt to remove kites that are entangled in power lines. If a kite is found entangled in power lines or electrical infrastructure, maintain a safe distance and immediately notify the Northern Power Customer Care Hotline 1900 6769 or the local power company for timely and safe handling.

A kite only truly brings joy when it is flown in the right place and in the right way. Every careful action today not only protects the safety of ourselves and the community but also contributes to keeping the electricity supply running safely, continuously, and stably, effectively serving the lives, production, and socio-economic development of Nghe An province.