'The electricity sector keeps raising prices and blaming it on the weather to avoid having to explain.'

During the National Assembly's discussion on the socio-economic situation on the morning of May 30th, many National Assembly deputies expressed their frustration about the electricity price increase, and called for transparency, fairness, and for the State Audit Office to investigate the electricity sector's business practices.

The conclusions of the Government Inspectorate need to be made public.

Representative Nguyen Quoc Han (from Ca Mau province) stated: The government has considered adjusting electricity prices in accordance with regulations. However, the issue here is not whether it is in accordance with regulations or not, because what the government does is always right. Nevertheless, the government needs to conduct a more specific assessment of the impact of the electricity price increase on people's lives and the business operations of enterprises.

According to Mr. Nguyen Quoc Han, rising electricity prices will lead to increased input costs for businesses, higher product prices, reduced consumer purchasing power, and decreased competitiveness of domestic goods.

Delegates from Ca Mau province made the following proposal.The State Audit Office is investigating the business practices of the electricity sector.

Avoid price increases that follow the trend.

Also expressing particular concern about the increase in electricity prices, delegate Nguyen Thi Phuc (Binh Thuan delegation) said that this issue is of great interest to many voters.

Ms. Phuc emphasized: "According to voters, increasing electricity prices at this time is inappropriate. Although this electricity price adjustment has been calculated as part of a planned schedule, we request that the Government promptly announce the conclusions of the inspection regarding the recent electricity price increase, whether it complies with regulations, and if it is found to be in violation, how it will be handled, so that voters and the government are aware."

In addition, the increase in electricity prices will lead to price increases for other goods. Ms. Phuc suggested that the government needs to implement preventative measures to avoid a situation where prices increase indiscriminately, closely monitoring market fluctuations combined with strict inspection and supervision of price declarations by businesses.

Affirming that electricity prices keep "increasing, increasing again, and endlessly," delegate Nguyen Sy Cuong (Ninh Thuan delegation) frankly pointed out: People want transparency regarding electricity prices, and they have reason to suspect that the 8.36% increase is inaccurate when the amount they have to pay to the power company in the first month increases significantly, even 2-3 times compared to the previous month.

Mr. Cuong argued that the average retail electricity price set by the government should be used as the basis, regardless of whether there are six tiers or any other number of tiers.

Representative Nguyen Sy Cuong also shared the opinion of voters who believe that, as the country's economy develops and people's living standards improve, electricity consumption should also increase. However, in reality, people's electricity consumption remains low, only suitable for poor families in disadvantaged areas.

"The electricity sector keeps raising prices and blaming it on the weather to avoid having to explain further," Mr. Cuong said. This representative also suggested that the conclusions of the Government Inspectorate regarding EVN's operations be made public.

The electricity pricing tiers need to be restructured.

Earlier, during a group discussion on the results of the implementation of the socio-economic development plan and budget, delegate Nguyen Huu Cau (from Nghe An province) also emphasized that voters are very concerned about the issue of electricity price adjustments. Although the Ministry of Industry and Trade has provided an explanation on the calculation mechanism, further clarification is needed to reassure the public.

"Voters don't know how to calculate prices, but they know that price increases will affect their lives, and compared to other prices, the increase in this item is not in line with voters' views," said Mr. Nguyen Huu Cau, and suggested that the State Audit Office conduct an audit of electricity and fuel prices to see if they are consistent with the proposals of the relevant agencies.

If an audit is conducted and answers are provided, then whether prices increase or decrease, the public will see transparency. People say that while price increases affect income and life, the most important thing is trust and transparency in price management. Audits should get involved to reassure voters, suggested Mr. Nguyen Huu Cau.

Representative Mai Sỹ Diến - Deputy Head of the Thanh Hóa Provincial Delegation of National Assembly Deputies - stated that the recent report affirms that the electricity pricing system is in accordance with the law. However, any system that causes public dissatisfaction should be reviewed. Currently, the Government is tasked with investigating the electricity pricing process.

According to Mr. Dien, in addition to timely inspections and public reporting to the public on whether or not electricity pricing is being managed correctly, he proposed that the National Assembly assign the Standing Committee of the National Assembly to conduct specialized supervision of investment, management, and the establishment of electricity pricing norms and adjustments, as this is an issue related to people's lives.

"The electricity sector's approach of using electricity prices from tiers 3-4-5 to subsidize tiers 1-2 means the sector is taking from one person's pocket to put into another's without their consent. This has caused resentment among the people and voters regarding the recent electricity price management," Representative Mai Sỹ Diến stated, suggesting that the electricity sector should revise the tiered electricity pricing system.