NISO Blames Gas Constraints, Low Water Inflows for Decline in Power Supply

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has attributed the current decline in electricity supply across the country to constraints in gas supply to thermal power plants and reduced output from hydroelectric power stations.

The operator disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, explaining that limited gas availability had constrained the capacity of affected thermal power plants to generate electricity at their available levels.

It also identified reduced water inflows into reservoirs as another factor affecting the output of hydroelectric power stations.

According to NISO, the decline in available electricity generation has affected the volume of power allocated to Distribution Companies (DisCos) for onward distribution to consumers.

The development has resulted in shorter hours of electricity supply and increased load shedding across distribution networks, although the extent of the impact varies among DisCos depending on available generation and their respective allocations.

NISO acknowledged the impact of the generation shortfall on electricity consumers nationwide, noting the concerns expressed by members of the public and other stakeholders over the situation.

The operator said it was working towards diversifying the country’s energy mix to strengthen the security of electricity supply.

It added that it remained committed to maintaining grid stability, optimising the dispatch of available generation and ensuring the secure, reliable and efficient operation of the national grid within existing operational constraints.