Nigeria’s electricity network operators have explained why power supply is sometimes switched off during heavy rainfall, saying the move is primarily to protect lives and prevent damage to critical infrastructure.
In a post on its official X account, the Transmission Company of Nigeria-managed national grid said water and electricity pose serious safety risks when rain affects power installations.
According to the operator, electricity distribution companies, commonly known as DisCos, may intentionally cut supply when intense rain begins to prevent accidents such as fires, sparks or electrocution.
The grid operator explained that rainwater can seep into weak electrical connections, leaking transformers or exposed cables, creating dangerous conditions for residents and technicians.
“Water and live electricity do not mix. If rain gets into weak connections, leaking transformers, or exposed wires, it can cause sparks, fires, or even electrocution,” the post said.
It added that temporarily switching off supply is often safer than leaving power on and risking severe faults that could damage equipment and leave entire communities without electricity for days.
Another major concern is the structure of Nigeria’s power network. Most electricity lines in the country are overhead cables suspended on poles across streets and neighbourhoods, many of which are ageing.
During heavy rainfall, water can enter cracked insulators, rusty joints or damaged cables. Once this happens, protection systems automatically shut down sections of the network to prevent transformers from exploding or substations from failing.
Storm conditions can further complicate the situation. Lightning strikes can send powerful electrical surges through transmission lines, while strong winds may force power cables to clash or bring down tree branches onto the network.
When these risks are detected, the system automatically trips or operators cut supply to protect equipment and maintain overall grid stability.
Power outages during storms are therefore often precautionary measures rather than faults, the grid operator noted.
