Uche Cecil Izuora
Low frequency Power supply is challenging distribution efforts of Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) across all networks.
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) confirmed the situation following drop in power supply availability in electricity across the South-East region.
The Group Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr Emeka Ezeh, said in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu that the development was occasioned by gas constraints affecting the Generation Companies (GenCos).
“This development has necessitated the load shedding of available energy by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
“As a result, this development has impacted energy allocation to EEDC and the daily service level to customers served by its subsidiary companies, namely: MainPower, TransPower, FirstPower, NewEra, and EastLand.
“Efforts are currently being made by critical stakeholders in the electricity supply industry to address this challenge and restore normal power distribution,” he said.
Ezeh said that EEDC had sincerely apologised for the inconvenience this situation had caused its esteemed customers.
“We also appreciate the patience and understanding of electricity customers across the South-East,” he added.
The EEDC position is also corroborated by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) which confirmed that electricity generation on the national grid dropped on Tuesday following gas supply constraints caused by a reported vandalism incident within the upstream gas pipeline network.
NISO disclosed that the incident disrupted gas supply to several gas-fired power plants, leading to a sharp decline in available generation capacity on the grid.
The system operator explained that the reduced gas availability forced multiple thermal power stations to operate at significantly lower output, affecting overall electricity supply nationwide.
It noted that the development once again exposed the vulnerability of Nigeria’s power sector to gas supply disruptions, given that more than 80 per cent of grid-connected power plants rely on natural gas.
The clarification followed a recent drop in power supply across the country, which was attributed to gas supply constraints affecting optimal output and the general operational frequency of the generating companies.
NISO said the low output reduced available generation capacity on the national grid.
In a statement the Agency said: “The Nigerian Independent System Operator wishes to inform the general public and sector stakeholders that electricity generation on the national grid has dropped due to gas supply constraints arising from the reported incident of gas pipeline vandalisation within the upstream gas supply network.
“The incident affected gas availability to several power generation facilities.
“Consequently, several gas-fired power stations recorded low output, which resulted in reduced available generation capacity on the national grid.
“In response to the situation, NISO promptly activated established contingency measures to maintain system stability and reliability.”
According to the operator, the emergency actions included increased dispatch from available hydroelectric power stations, continuous generation re-dispatch, voltage control interventions,, and other operational adjustments aimed at balancing electricity supply with demand.
NISO added that it was closely monitoring grid conditions, including system frequency and voltage profiles, while working with key stakeholders across the electricity value chain to mitigate the impact of the disruption.
The operator also warned that the timing of the incident was particularly concerning, as the festive season typically places additional pressure on the national grid due to higher electricity demand.
“The situation underscores the importance of coordinated efforts to prevent and promptly address gas supply disruptions, especially as we approach the festive period, which is traditionally sensitive for grid operations,” NISO said.
Nigeria’s power sector has long grappled with gas pipeline vandalism, liquidity challenges and infrastructure constraints, which frequently result in generation shortfalls and load shedding. Despite an installed capacity of over 13,000 megawatts, the country’s actual power generation often hovers between 4,000MW and 5,000MW, largely due to gas-related constraints.
The NISO, which recently assumed full operational responsibility for managing the national grid following the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, reiterated its commitment to proactive grid management.
It assured electricity consumers that it would continue to apply appropriate operational standards to ensure a secure, stable, and reliable power supply nationwide, even amid ongoing challenges in the gas supply network.
Although no specific gas network was identified by the operators as responsible for the supply disruption, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited had last week reported an explosion on its Escravos–Lagos pipeline