Low Frequency Power Supply Deepens Electricity Outage Across Networks

By Naija Enquirer Staff

Low frequency power supply is posing significant challenges to electricity distribution efforts by Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) across Nigeria.

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) confirmed the development following a noticeable drop in power supply availability across the South-East region.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Enugu, the Group Head, Corporate Communications at EEDC, Mr Emeka Ezeh, attributed the situation to gas supply constraints affecting Generation Companies (GenCos).

According to him, the development has forced the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to shed available energy, thereby reducing electricity allocation to EEDC.

“This development has necessitated the load shedding of available energy by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

“As a result, energy allocation to EEDC and the daily service level to customers served by its subsidiary companies — MainPower, TransPower, FirstPower, NewEra and EastLand — have been impacted.

“Efforts are currently being made by critical stakeholders in the electricity supply industry to address this challenge and restore normal power distribution,” Ezeh said.

He added that EEDC sincerely apologised to its customers for the inconvenience caused and appreciated their patience and understanding across the South-East.

The explanation by EEDC was corroborated by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), which confirmed that electricity generation on the national grid dropped following gas supply disruptions caused by a reported pipeline vandalism incident.

NISO disclosed that the incident disrupted gas supply to several gas-fired power plants, resulting in a sharp decline in available generation capacity on the national grid.

The system operator explained that reduced gas availability forced multiple thermal power stations to operate at significantly lower output, affecting electricity supply nationwide.

It noted that the incident once again exposed the vulnerability of Nigeria’s power sector to gas supply disruptions, as more than 80 per cent of grid-connected power plants depend on natural gas.

In a statement, NISO 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.”

NISO said it activated contingency measures to maintain system stability, including increased dispatch from available hydroelectric power stations, continuous generation re-dispatch, voltage control interventions and other operational adjustments.

The operator added that it was closely monitoring grid conditions while working with stakeholders across the electricity value chain to mitigate the impact of the disruption.

NISO warned that the timing of the incident was particularly concerning, as the festive season traditionally places additional pressure on the national grid due to increased electricity demand.

“The situation underscores the importance of coordinated efforts to prevent and promptly address gas supply disruptions, especially during sensitive periods for grid operations,” the operator said.

Nigeria’s power sector has long struggled with gas pipeline vandalism, liquidity challenges and infrastructure constraints, which frequently lead to generation shortfalls and load shedding.

Despite an installed generation capacity of over 13,000 megawatts, actual power generation often fluctuates between 4,000MW and 5,000MW due largely to gas-related constraints.

NISO, which recently assumed full operational responsibility for managing the national grid following the unbundling of TCN, reiterated its commitment to proactive grid management.

The operator assured electricity consumers of continued efforts to ensure a secure, stable and reliable power supply nationwide, even amid ongoing gas supply challenges.

Although no specific gas network was officially identified as responsible for the disruption, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited had reported an explosion on its Escravos–Lagos pipeline last week.