Why Your Electricity Supply Has Dropped: NISO Explains Latest Power Shortage

• Electricity supply has declined because gas shortages and reduced water inflows are limiting power generation, according to the Nigerian Independent System Operator.

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has attributed the latest decline in electricity supply to inadequate gas deliveries to thermal power plants and reduced output from hydroelectric stations.

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, the operator said both problems had reduced the electricity available for distribution, resulting in shorter supply hours and increased load shedding.

According to NISO, affected gas-fired plants have been unable to operate at their available capacity, while lower water inflows into reservoirs have constrained hydroelectric generation.

The combined shortfall has reduced allocations to electricity distribution companies, commonly known as DisCos.

NISO explained that the severity of the disruption varies across distribution networks, depending on available generation and the allocation each company receives.

This means communities may experience different supply patterns even while the national system faces the same generation constraints.

The Federal Government has also acknowledged complaints about deteriorating supply, particularly in Lagos, Abuja, Ogun, Kwara and Oyo.

Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe directed the Transmission Company of Nigeria, NISO and distribution companies to address the operational problems contributing to the decline.

The ministry said it recognised the disruption that outages cause households and businesses, and that engagements with operators were underway to improve supply.

NISO said its immediate priorities included maintaining grid stability and making the best use of available generation while the constraints persisted.

It also identified diversification of the national grid’s energy sources as part of efforts to strengthen supply security.

The explanation concerns reduced generation and electricity allocations. It does not, by itself, establish that a nationwide grid collapse has occurred.

The statement did not provide a firm date for restoring normal supply across affected areas.