This paper investigates the relationship between disasters and energy supply in the coastal city of Quy Nhon, Vietnam. The research focus is two coastal communes: Nhon Ly and Nhon Hai. The principal livelihoods in these communes are fishing and seafood processing, livelihoods which are likely to be particularly affected by climatic changes. The research finds that while all participants were connected to the electricity grid, they also experienced disruptions to their supply which were exacerbated during times of water stress and natural disasters, including typhoons. The impacts of perturbations in the energy supply include higher costs for alternative energy sources, the need to hire additional labour and worsened working conditions. This research also finds that, in spite of awareness of climate change and its impacts, adaptation measures are not being considered either by households or the commune. Instead, commune authorities and residents rely on coping mechanisms after the disasters have struck.