The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), has said that the country’s electricity supply may experience temporary disruptions in few days as scheduled maintenance on a major gas facility constrains fuel delivery to several thermal power plants.
It said key gas supply facility will undergo maintenance shutdown from February 12 to 15, with full supply expected to resume on February 16,which will reduce gas availability to multiple grid-connected power stations, leading to lower electricity generation nationwide.
According to a statement, thermal plants expected to be directly affected include Egbin, Azura, Sapele, and Transcorp Power, while others such as NDPHC Sapele, Olorunsogo, and Omotosho could face indirect supply constraints due to wider gas network balancing challenges.
It said the temporary shortfall is likely to cut available thermal generation capacity across the national grid, increasing the risk of load management measures, including possible load shedding.
It said: “The situation requires careful system operation” to maintain grid stability and avoid broader outages.As part of our statutory responsibility, we will deploy real-time operational measures to safeguard the integrity and security of the national grid throughout the maintenance window.
Any power rationing,it said, would be carried out in a structured, transparent and equitable manner, in coordination with Distribution Companies (DisCos).
Critical national infrastructure, essential services and security installations will receive priority supply,it said, adding that during the maintenance period, NISO said the National Control Centre will intensify monitoring of the grid, enhance contingency planning, and allocate available generation fairly among consumers.
Acknowledging the potential inconvenience to households and businesses, the operator emphasized that the scheduled maintenance is necessary to ensure the long-term safety, reliability and sustainability of upstream gas infrastructure supporting the power sector.
It sought public understanding and cooperation, and assured stakeholders that all operational decisions would adhere strictly to established grid security and reliability standards.