Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has attributed the decline in electricity generation across the country to inadequate gas supply to thermal power plants and reduced water inflows into hydroelectric power stations.
The operator said the constraints had reduced the capacity of generating stations to supply electricity to the national grid, consequently affecting the volume of power allocated to Distribution Companies (DisCos) for onward distribution to consumers.
NISO disclosed this in a statement issued by its management on Thursday explaining the factors responsible for the current decline in power generation.
According to the statement, limited gas availability has constrained affected thermal generating stations from operating at their available capacities, while reduced water inflows into reservoirs have negatively affected electricity generation from hydroelectric power stations.
It explained that the combined effect of the challenges had reduced available generation on the national grid, resulting in shorter hours of electricity supply and increased load shedding across distribution networks.
The operator noted that the impact varies across distribution companies, depending on the volume of electricity available for generation and the corresponding allocations received by individual DisCos.
The development has also affected electricity consumers across the franchise areas of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), which has apologised to customers over intermittent power supply in parts of its network.
In a public announcement Wednesday, IBEDC attributed the disruptions to a drop in the volume of electricity available for distribution, which had necessitated load shedding across parts of its franchise.
The distribution company said it was engaging relevant stakeholders across the electricity value chain to facilitate improved supply to customers.
IBEDC also appealed for customers’ patience, understanding and cooperation, while expressing regret over the inconvenience caused by the disruptions.
Acknowledging the concerns of electricity consumers nationwide, NISO said it recognised the impact of the generation shortfall on households, businesses and other electricity users.
The system operator added that it was working towards diversifying the country’s energy mix to strengthen electricity supply security and reduce vulnerabilities associated with prevailing generation constraints.
It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining grid stability, optimising the dispatch of available generation and ensuring the secure, reliable and efficient operation of the national grid.
