Electricity distribution companies have blamed persistent power outages across their networks on a sharp drop in gas supply to power plants, warning customers to brace for intermittent electricity supply until the situation improves.
Lately, Nigerians have been complaining of low power supply compared to what they used to get from the national grid. Saturday PUNCH confirmed that power generation has recently dropped from above 5,000 megawatts last year to around 4,000 and 3,000 MW.
As a result, power allocation to the DisCos as of noon on Friday was 3,108 MW. The DisCos said this was caused by low gas supply to power generation plants.
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company said limited energy supply from the national grid had significantly reduced the power available to its franchise areas, leading to widespread outages.
In a notice to customers, the DisCo said it was keenly aware of the current low power supply and outages being experienced across its network, explaining that several locations were facing serious disruptions due to reduced grid allocation.
The company added that its technical teams were monitoring the situation in real time and stood ready to restore normal supply once energy allocation from the grid improves. It apologised to customers for the inconvenience to homes and businesses, appealing for patience and understanding amid the constraints.
“Dear valued customers, we are keenly aware of the current low power supply and outages being experienced by customers across our franchise area. While we strive to maintain a steady flow of energy, several locations are currently facing significant disruptions as a result of limited energy supply from the grid.
“Our technical team is closely monitoring the situation in real-time and remains fully committed to restoring normal service at the earliest possible time as soon as our grid allocation improves. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this has caused to your homes and businesses and appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we navigate these constraints,” AEDC said.
Similarly, the Eko Electricity Distribution Company also attributed poor electricity supply within its coverage area to a drop in national power generation caused by gas supply constraints.
According to Eko DisCo, the shortfall in gas supply had forced intermittent load shedding across its franchise areas, further worsening electricity availability for consumers.
The company said the situation was under close watch, noting that efforts were ongoing to mitigate the gas supply challenges. It assured customers that updates would be provided as conditions improve, while thanking them for their patience.
“This is to inform you that power generation on the National Grid has dropped due to gas supply constraints. This situation has led to intermittent load shedding across our franchise areas.
“The situation is being closely monitored, and efforts are being made to mitigate the current gas supply constraints, and we will keep you updated as the situation improves,” EKEDC added.
The latest development highlights the continued vulnerability of Nigeria’s power sector to gas supply disruptions, with generation shortfalls quickly translating into reduced electricity supply to end users.
Recall that the national grid collapsed twice in January, plunging the country into darkness.
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