The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has confirmed that only 32 per cent of the country’s installed power generation capacity was available for transmission in February, shedding light on the recent widespread power outages that affected millions across Nigeria.
According to NERC’s Operational Performance Fact Sheet released on Friday and obtained by ENigeria Newspaper, grid-connected power plants recorded an average hourly generation of 4,102 megawatt-hours (MWh) during the month. Despite a total installed capacity of 13,625 megawatts (MW), only 4,384MW was available for dispatch, representing a Plant Availability Factor (PAF) of 32 per cent.
The commission noted that most of the available generation was actively utilised, with plants recording an average load factor of 93 per cent.
“At any point during the month, an average of 4,384MW was available for dispatch onto the grid,” NERC said, underscoring the gap between installed capacity and electricity reaching consumers, a shortfall blamed for the recent nationwide blackouts.
Recently, many homes and businesses nationwide have been suffering from the impact of erractic electrical supply.
Meanwhile, recall that data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) shows that power generation has dropped below 4,000 megawatts in recent weeks, largely due to gas constraints affecting thermal power plants. As of Tuesday, the 11 power distribution companies were sharing only 3,053MW, making reliable electricity supply impossible across their franchise areas.
Dr. Ogaji stressed that without urgent resolution of the outstanding debts, the electricity shortage could escalate further, affecting households, businesses, and critical infrastructure nationwide.
In the same vein, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC) management has expressed regret for the difficulty caused by persistent power supply issues within its franchise.
The business claims that a lack of gas supplies to power plants has decreased generation capacity nationally, increasing load shedding throughout the network. It further stated that the IBEDC franchise’s power demand has increased dramatically in recent months, especially when more Band A feeders were introduced in accordance with regulatory requirements.
