Debate Over Electricity Tariffs for Data Centers Continues
Correspondence between the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Industry and Trade continues following Vietnam Electricity's application of high commercial tariffs to data centers.
The Ministry of Science and Technology has sent an official document for the third time to the Ministry of Industry and Trade opposing Vietnam Electricity's application of high commercial electricity tariffs for data centers and creating inconsistencies in pricing.
Third Official Request Made
The Ministry of Science and Technology sent a document to the Ministry of Industry and Trade requesting that Vietnam Electricity ensure consistency in the application of electricity prices. Following the new pricing, electricity costs have increased by more than 50 percent.
Following requests from CMC and Viettel regarding the application of different electricity prices for data centers in various regions, the Ministry of Science and Technology made its third appeal to the Ministry of Industry and Trade on September 15.
Inconsistencies in Implementation
It was noted that most electricity companies across the country applied retail electricity prices for production to data centers in accordance with the circular. However, the Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation and certain units failed to follow these guidelines.
Telecommunication enterprises were asked to pay the difference by demanding commercial electricity prices, and notifications regarding power outages starting from September 15, 2026, were issued.
Warning for Digital Infrastructure
The Ministry of Science and Technology requested that uniform implementation instructions be issued nationwide to ensure the stable operation of data center infrastructure.
It was emphasized that imposing high electricity prices on data centers would negatively impact the country's digital infrastructure, foreign investors' decisions, and business operations.