Nigeria’s Independent System Operator, NISO, said lower electricity output on the national grid is being driven by gas-supply constraints at thermal plants and weaker production from hydroelectric facilities.
The operator disclosed the situation on Thursday as power shortages spread across the country. Restricted gas supplies have prevented affected thermal stations from running at their available capacity, it said.
Quick facts
- Thermal generation has been limited by insufficient gas availability.
- Lower water inflows into reservoirs have reduced hydropower production capacity.
- Distribution Companies, known as DisCos, are receiving less electricity for delivery to customers.
- The shortfall has led to reduced supply hours and more load shedding across distribution networks.
NISO said diminished inflows into hydroelectric reservoirs have also cut the generating capability of hydropower stations. The combined reduction in available supply has lowered the amount of electricity allocated to DisCos for onward distribution to households and businesses.
Consumers are therefore experiencing shorter periods of power supply and increased rationing across the distribution system. The severity differs among DisCos, depending on total generation available and the allocations each company receives.
NISO said it recognised the effect of the generation deficit on customers nationwide and acknowledged concerns raised by the public and other stakeholders.
While it works to broaden the national grid’s energy mix to strengthen supply security, the operator said it remains focused on keeping the grid stable, making the best use of available generation and maintaining secure, dependable and efficient grid operations under current constraints.
