Nigerians could face power outages this festive season as gas supply disruptions force thermal power plants to cut back on electricity generation. Gas companies have reportedly begun limiting deliveries due to unpaid debts, adding pressure to a power sector already struggling to meet demand.
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) alerted customers across the South-East that electricity availability has dropped because of low system frequency, linked to gas constraints affecting generation companies. As a result, the Transmission Company of Nigeria has implemented load shedding, and subsidiaries like MainPower, TransPower, FirstPower, NewEra, and EastLand are delivering less power to consumers.
The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) echoed similar concerns, attributing ongoing load shedding to poor generation and allocation from gas-fired plants. Customers were urged to remain patient while efforts continue to stabilize supply.
Joy Ogaji, CEO of the Association of Power Generation Companies, confirmed that many gas suppliers have started reducing deliveries over unpaid debts, despite the Federal Government approving ₦185 billion to settle outstanding payments. The approval, granted by the National Economic Council under Vice President Kashim Shettima, aims to ease liquidity constraints and boost electricity generation, but supply cuts have continued, and officials from the Ministry of Power had not provided clarification.
Adding to the challenge, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) reported that vandalism along upstream gas pipelines has disrupted fuel supply to several power stations, forcing them to operate below capacity. Emergency measures—including increased hydroelectric dispatch, voltage control interventions, and generation re-dispatch—have been deployed to maintain grid stability. However, more than 80% of Nigeria’s grid-connected power plants rely on natural gas, making the system highly vulnerable to such disruptions.
With electricity demand typically rising during the holiday season, experts warn that prolonged outages could affect millions of Nigerians unless the gas-to-power supply chain issues are urgently resolved.
