NISO Explains Reduced Power Allocations To Lagos, Abuja, North

The Nigerian Independent System Operator has attributed recent reductions in electricity allocations to Lagos, Abuja and parts of northern Nigeria to multiple transmission line outages and changes in the configuration of the national grid.

NISO said the adjustments were necessary to keep the interconnected power system operating within safe limits and prevent wider disturbances.

The system operator explained that the availability of electricity generation does not automatically mean that the power can be delivered to a particular area. Transmission capacity and the condition of the network must also be adequate to move available electricity to distribution companies.

According to NISO, the Lagos axis was affected by successive outages involving the Olorunsogo–Ayede, Benin–Egbin and Benin–Omotosho 330kV transmission lines, alongside the prolonged outage of the Osogbo–Ikeja West circuit.

The combined loss of the transmission circuits reduced the amount of electricity that could safely be transferred into Lagos. NISO consequently reviewed allocations to Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electric and the Sakete international supply.

The northern corridor also experienced transmission challenges. The Shiroro–Mararaba 330kV Line 1 tripped between August 24 and 26, affecting power allocations to Abuja and northern areas because the remaining circuit had to carry the load.

A more serious disruption occurred on August 27 when the Shiroro–Mando 330kV Line 2 and Mando–Jos 330kV Line 1 tripped simultaneously.

NISO said the situation significantly reduced transmission supply to Jos and the North-East. Alternative Apir–Lafia transmission lines have also remained unavailable for an extended period because of faults.

The resulting constraints forced the system operator to revise allocations to Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Yola and other affected areas to maintain system security.

The Abuja axis was also affected on August 29 when the Shiroro–Katampe and Gwagwalada–Katampe 330kV lines tripped simultaneously. NISO said both circuits were restored later that morning, recovering the affected transmission capacity.

NISO stressed that the recent allocation changes were caused by transmission constraints and network configuration rather than a lack of generation.

The organisation said it continuously monitors the national grid and adjusts generation dispatch and electricity allocations whenever transmission limitations make it unsafe to transfer available power.

The clarification comes amid concerns from electricity consumers in several parts of the country over reduced supply and increased load shedding.

NISO said the measures were temporary operational decisions designed to protect the stability and integrity of Nigeria’s interconnected electricity network.