The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has said that the current irregular electricity supply across the country is caused by a decline in electricity generation occasioned by a decrease in gas supply to the thermal generating stations.
In a statement issued today and signed by its management, NISO said “we hereby notify the general public and market participants that the current average available generation of approximately 4.300 mega watts is primarily due to inadequate gas supply to thermal generating stations”
Explaining, NISO said “given that thermal plants account for the dominant share of Nigeria’s generation mix, any disruption or limitation in gas supply directly affects available generation capacity and overall grid output”.
“Consequently”, it said, “the current energy allocated to distribution companies (Discos), reflects the reduced supply available on the grid”
It further explained that available operational data indicates that thermal power plants collectively require an estimated 1,629.75 mmscf (million standard cubic feet) of gas per day to operate at optimal capacity, but as at February 23, this year, actual gas supply to the stations was approximately 692.00 mmscf which represents 42.46% shortfall in daily gas supply requirements.
“The current low generation level is fundamentally driven by inadequate gas supply to thermal generating units, leading to reduced energy allocation to the Discos”, NISO maintained.
It stated that “when total system generation drops significantly, the Independent System Operator must implement load shedding across the system, while dispatching available energy in line with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) allocation percentages across all distribution networks to maintain grid stability and prevent system disturbances”.
While regretting the inconvenience the irregular electricity supply has caused electricity consumers, NISO said it would continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure full energy allocation as soon as soon as gas supply improved and generating capacity was restored.
