NISO power generation has fallen as gas shortages and low reservoir levels constrain thermal and hydroelectric plants, worsening supply nationwide
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has attributed declining electricity generation across the national grid to gas supply shortages and reduced water inflows into hydroelectric reservoirs, warning that the constraints have led to shorter supply hours and increased load shedding.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the operator said limited gas availability had prevented some thermal power stations from operating at their available capacity, while reduced water inflows had affected output from hydroelectric plants.
The shortfall has reduced the volume of electricity allocated to Distribution Companies (DisCos), leaving households and businesses with fewer hours of supply amid hot weather and rising demand for cooling.
“The current decline in electricity generation on the national grid is primarily attributed to constraints in gas supply to thermal power generating stations and reduced output from hydroelectric power stations,” NISO said.
The operator explained that the reduced generation had affected the quantity of electricity available for distribution, with the impact varying across networks according to generation levels and allocations to individual DisCos.
“Consequently, the reduction in available generation has affected the quantum of electricity allocated to Distribution Companies (DisCos) for onward supply to consumers,” the statement added.
NISO said the resulting supply constraints had led to increased load shedding across distribution networks.
The situation is particularly challenging for small businesses and households that depend on reliable electricity for refrigeration, food preservation, water pumping and cooling.
Reduced grid supply can force consumers to rely more heavily on petrol and diesel generators, adding to operating costs.
Nigeria’s electricity system depends heavily on gas-fired thermal power stations, with hydroelectric plants providing another major source of grid generation.
Disruptions affecting either source can therefore significantly reduce the electricity available to consumers.
The latest constraints also come amid concerns about unusually high temperatures. In an August 2026 climate update, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency confirmed the onset of a strong El Niño event and said it was expected to influence global climate patterns during the August to October period.
However, NISO’s statement attributed the current generation decline specifically to gas supply constraints and reduced water inflows. It did not identify El Niño as a direct cause of the power shortfall.
The latest disruption follows previous periods of reduced electricity allocations linked to gas shortages and transmission constraints. In February, NISO reported that gas supply to thermal plants had fallen significantly below the volume required for optimal operation, limiting generation and electricity allocations to DisCos.
NISO acknowledged the hardship caused by the current shortfall and said it was working to manage available electricity while maintaining grid stability.
“NISO remains committed to maintaining grid stability, optimising the dispatch of available generation, and ensuring the secure, reliable and efficient operation of the national grid within prevailing operational constraints,” the operator said.
It added that efforts were underway to diversify the energy mix supplying the national grid, with the aim of improving security of supply and reducing vulnerability to disruptions affecting individual generation sources.
The statement did not provide a timeline for when gas supplies or hydroelectric output would improve, or when electricity allocations to DisCos might return to previous levels.
The development underscores the continuing challenge of securing dependable fuel supplies and maintaining sufficient water inflows for power generation, as consumers contend with unreliable electricity and the additional costs of alternative power sources.
