Gas Shortages, Low Water Levels Cut Nigeria’s Power Generation, NISO Says

he Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has blamed gas supply constraints and low water levels for the decline in electricity generation across the national grid, warning that the situation has reduced power allocations to distribution companies.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the operator said limited gas availability had constrained the capacity of affected thermal generating stations to operate at their available levels, while reduced water inflows into reservoirs had affected output from hydroelectric power stations.

It explained that the combined constraints had lowered the volume of electricity available for distribution to consumers nationwide.

According to NISO, the reduced generation has affected the quantity of electricity allocated to Distribution Companies (DisCos) for onward supply, resulting in fewer hours of electricity and increased load shedding across distribution networks.

The operator noted that the impact varied across the country, depending on the level of available generation and the corresponding allocations to individual distribution companies.

The development adds to persistent challenges confronting Nigeria's electricity sector, where inadequate gas supply has repeatedly limited the performance of thermal power plants, which account for a significant proportion of national electricity generation.

The latest explanation also highlights the contribution of reduced water inflows to the country's hydropower output, further limiting the electricity available to the national grid.

NISO acknowledged the difficulties faced by electricity consumers and other stakeholders, saying it appreciated the concerns raised over the declining supply.

It added that efforts were underway to diversify the energy sources feeding the national grid as part of measures to strengthen security of electricity supply.

The system operator reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining grid stability and optimising the dispatch of available electricity despite the prevailing operational challenges.

It also pledged to ensure the secure, reliable and efficient operation of the national grid while managing the constraints affecting generation.

The development comes amid recurring concerns over unreliable electricity supply, which continues to affect households, businesses and industrial activities across the country.