System Operator begins load shedding amid gas shortages, power generation drops below 4,500 MW

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has announced load shedding nationwide as power generation drops to an average of 4,300 MW, far below the country’s installed capacity of 13,000 MW, majorly due to insufficient gas supply to thermal power plants.

NISO made this known in a document released on Friday to the market players in response to the latest development.

According to the System Operator, thermal plants account for the dominant share of Nigeria’s generation mix, and any disruption in gas supply directly affects generation capacity and overall grid output.

It said, “Consequently, the current energy allocated to Distribution Companies (DisCos) reflects the reduced supply available on the grid.

NISO further explained that thermal power plants collectively require 1,629.75 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of gas per day to operate at optimal capacity.

However, as of February 23, 2026, actual gas supply to the stations stood at approximately 692 MMSCF, representing less than 43% of the required volume, resulting in constrained generation output.

NISO explained that when total system generation drops significantly, it must implement load shedding, dispatching available energy in line with NERC MYTO allocation percentages across all distribution networks to maintain grid stability and prevent system disturbances.

The system operator appealed to Nigerians for the inconvenience caused to electricity consumers and market participants, assuring that it will continue working closely with relevant stakeholders to restore full energy allocation as soon as gas supply improves and generation capacity is restored.

Checks by Advisors Reports showed that Nigeria’s electricity grid averaged 4,123 MW between February 20 and 26, 2026, with daily outputs ranging from 3,569 MW to 4,534 MW from 17–18 active power plants.

This remains significantly below the country’s installed capacity of around 13,000 MW.

Energy experts and market stakeholders have continued to warn that the underperformance of several NIPPs and IPPs, combined with heavy reliance on a few high-capacity plants such as Egbin and Azura-Edo, could pose risks to a consistent electricity supply for industrial, commercial, and residential consumers.