By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has attributed the continued decline in electricity generation on the national grid to persistent gas supply challenges affecting several thermal power plants.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, NISO disclosed that as of 5:00 a.m., total generation on the national grid stood at 3,940.53 megawatts (MW), significantly below expected capacity due to inadequate gas supply.
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The system operator noted that between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., multiple generating units were forced to shut down, resulting in a cumulative reduction of about 292 MW in available generation.
“Operational data indicates that thermal power plants require approximately 1,588.61 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of gas per day to operate at optimal capacity.
However, actual supply to these stations was only around 652.92 MMSCF, representing about 40 per cent of the gas needed,” the statement said.
NISO explained that the shortfall in gas supply has directly contributed to the current inadequacy in electricity generation and its impact on power availability across the national grid.
The system operator said it is actively coordinating with affected power generation companies and gas suppliers to monitor the situation and restore generation once gas supply stabilizes.
“NISO remains committed to taking necessary operational measures to maintain grid stability and to keeping stakeholders and the public informed on developments affecting the national grid,” the statement added.
The report underscores ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s power sector, particularly the reliance of thermal plants on consistent gas supply to meet national electricity demand.
