BY GLORIA AKUDORO
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) says it is collaborating with affected Generation Companies (GenCos) to restore electricity generation amid persistent gas supply constraints impacting several thermal power plants
The announcement was contained in a statement by NISO, stating that as at 05:00 hours of Thursday, 5th March 2026, total generation on the national grid stood at 3,940.53 MW, which was already below the expected capacity due to existing gas supply limitations impacting a number of generating stations.
“Between 06:00 hours and 08:00 hours, several generating units were forced to shut down as a result of inadequate gas supply to the plants. This resulted in a cumulative reduction of approximately 292 MW in available generation on the grid during the period.
“Operational data as of 04 March 2026 indicate that thermal power plants require approximately 1,588.61 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of gas per day to operate at optimal capacity.
“However, actual gas supply to these stations was approximately 652.92MMSCF, representing about 40% of the gas required for optimal generation”, it stated.
These developments, the system operator, said further reduced the total generation available for dispatch to the national grid and have contributed to the current generation inadequacy being experienced across the system.
“NISO is actively working with the affected Generation Companies (GenCos) and relevant gas suppliers to closely monitor the situation and facilitate the restoration of generation as soon as gas supply to the affected plants stabilizes,” it noted.
Furthermore, the system operator reiterated commitment to continue to take necessary operational measures to maintain grid stability while managing the impact of the reduced generation on the network.
NISO maintained that its remains committed to keeping stakeholders and the public informed on developments affecting the national grid.
