Nigeria’s electricity supply has come under renewed pressure as the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) blamed gas supply shortages and reduced water levels for the decline in power generation across the national grid.
The operator said the challenges had reduced electricity available for distribution, forcing Distribution Companies (DisCos) to cut supply hours and increase load shedding across their networks.
NISO disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, explaining that inadequate gas supplies had restricted the capacity of some thermal power plants to generate electricity.
It also identified reduced water inflows into reservoirs as a major factor affecting output from hydroelectric power stations.
According to the operator, the combined challenges have significantly affected the volume of electricity available for distribution nationwide.
Gas shortages, low water levels affect power supply
NISO explained that some thermal generating stations could not operate at their available capacity because of limited gas supplies.
It also noted that reduced water inflows into hydroelectric reservoirs had weakened the generation capacity of affected power stations.
The operator said the resulting generation shortfall had affected electricity allocations to DisCos for onward distribution to homes and businesses.
Consequently, consumers are experiencing fewer hours of electricity supply and increased load shedding across distribution networks.
NISO added that the extent of the disruption varies among electricity distribution companies, depending on available generation and their respective allocations.
NISO promises measures to improve electricity supply
The system operator acknowledged the difficulties facing electricity consumers nationwide, expressing appreciation for concerns raised by members of the public and other stakeholders.
It said efforts were ongoing to diversify the national grid’s energy mix to strengthen electricity supply security and reduce exposure to prevailing operational constraints.
NISO also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining grid stability, optimising the dispatch of available electricity generation and ensuring the secure, reliable and efficient operation of the national grid.
The operator said it would continue working within existing operational constraints to manage available electricity and sustain grid stability.
