By Hosea Parah
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has attributed the recent decline in electricity generation across the national grid to inadequate gas supply to thermal power plants and reduced water inflows into hydroelectric reservoirs.
The operator disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, explaining that the twin challenges had significantly constrained the capacity of generating stations to produce and supply electricity to the national grid.
According to NISO, limited gas availability has affected the operational capacity of thermal power plants, while declining water inflows into hydroelectric reservoirs have reduced electricity generation from hydropower stations.
It explained that the combined effect of the constraints had reduced the volume of electricity available for distribution across the country.
Consequently, electricity allocations to Distribution Companies (DisCos) have dropped, leading to fewer hours of power supply and increased load shedding across distribution networks.
NISO noted that the extent of the disruption varies among distribution companies, depending on the volume of electricity available on the grid and the corresponding allocations received by individual operators.
Acknowledging the difficulties confronting electricity consumers nationwide, the system operator said it understood the concerns and frustrations expressed by households, businesses and other stakeholders over the worsening power supply situation.
It, however, assured Nigerians that efforts were ongoing to diversify the country’s energy mix as part of broader measures to strengthen electricity supply security and reduce dependence on generation sources vulnerable to supply constraints.
The operator further reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining grid stability, optimising the dispatch of available electricity and ensuring the secure, reliable and efficient operation of the national grid despite prevailing operational challenges.
The latest explanation comes amid growing concerns over the reliability of electricity supply, with households and businesses grappling with reduced supply hours and frequent power interruptions.
Nigeria’s electricity generation remains heavily dependent on gas-fired thermal power plants, making the sector vulnerable to disruptions in gas supply. Hydroelectric generation is also affected by seasonal variations in water availability.
The development highlights the persistent structural challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector and the need for sustainable interventions to address gas supply constraints, improve generation capacity and guarantee more reliable electricity supply to consumers.