KEY POINTS
- NISO blames gas shortages and low reservoir levels for reduced power generation.
- Lower electricity allocations have caused shorter supply hours and increased load shedding.
- The operator says it is working to diversify the national energy mix and improve grid reliability.
The Nigerian Independent System Operator, NISO, has blamed inadequate gas supply to thermal power plants and reduced water levels at hydroelectric stations for the decline in electricity generation across the national grid.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the operator said the constraints had reduced the amount of electricity available for distribution companies (DisCos), contributing to shorter power supply hours and increased load shedding in several parts of the country.
NISO explained that insufficient gas supplies had limited the ability of affected thermal power plants to generate electricity at their available capacity. At the same time, reduced water inflows into reservoirs had weakened generation from hydroelectric facilities.
The combined effect has lowered the volume of electricity supplied to the national grid, forcing distribution companies to work with reduced allocations.
Gas Supply Constraints Affect Thermal Plants
Thermal power stations depend largely on natural gas to generate electricity. However, NISO said inadequate gas supply had restricted the operations of affected plants, preventing them from producing electricity at their available levels.
The constraints have reduced the contribution of thermal plants to the national grid, adding pressure to an electricity system already struggling to meet consumer demand.
Nigeria relies heavily on gas-fired power stations, making consistent fuel supply essential to maintaining electricity generation across the country.
Low Reservoir Levels Reduce Hydroelectric Output
NISO also identified reduced water inflows into reservoirs as another factor behind the decline in electricity generation.
Hydroelectric power stations depend on sufficient water levels to operate their turbines and generate electricity. Lower inflows therefore limit the amount of power these facilities can produce.
The reduced contribution from hydroelectric stations, combined with gas shortages affecting thermal plants, has further weakened the country’s overall electricity supply.
DisCos Receive Lower Electricity Allocations
According to NISO, the generation shortfall has affected the volume of electricity allocated to distribution companies, resulting in reduced supply to consumers.
The operator said the impact varies across distribution networks because each DisCo receives allocations based on available generation and its respective share of the electricity supplied to the grid.
Consumers in different parts of the country have consequently experienced shorter hours of electricity supply and increased load shedding.
NISO acknowledged the difficulties caused by the situation and expressed appreciation for concerns raised by electricity consumers and other stakeholders.
Operator Seeks to Diversify Energy Sources
The system operator said efforts were ongoing to diversify the national electricity generation mix to improve supply security and reduce the grid’s exposure to operational challenges.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining grid stability, optimising the distribution of available electricity and ensuring the secure, reliable and efficient operation of the national grid.
However, NISO did not provide a specific timeline for when the gas supply constraints and reduced hydroelectric output would be resolved or when electricity generation would return to higher levels.
