Power generation crashes from 3,840MW to 477MW

Nigeria's electricity generation plummeted from around 3,840 megawatts (MW) to just 476.70MW on Monday afternoon, causing widespread power outages across the country. According to the Nigerian Independent System Operator's (NISO) portal, niggrid.org, the total electricity output on the grid was approximately 3,840MW at 7 am, but it plummeted to 476.70MW by 1 pm.

The sharp decrease in generation occurred around 12:40 pm, leaving most of the nation's power plants with zero output. Only a few generating stations, including Odukpani NIPP, Omotosho, and Sapele, continued to produce a small amount of electricity by 1 pm. Major power plants, such as Egbin, Jebba, Shiroro, and Kainji, along with several gas-fired facilities, reported zero generation on the grid.

The sudden decline in electricity generation coincided with reports of power outages, which were widely reported on social media platforms. By 1.23 pm, the NISO dashboard indicated real-time generation at about 480MW, with only five generating companies contributing electricity. This significant drop in power output raises concerns about the stability of Nigeria's national electricity system.

Recurring grid disturbances and collapses have been a persistent issue in Nigeria's electricity sector throughout the year, prompting concerns about the reliability of power supply to homes and businesses. The Federal Government recently approved plans to develop new eastern and western power grids as part of efforts to address these recurring grid failures and enhance electricity system stability.

However, the NISO dismissed claims of a national grid collapse, stating that there was no system-wide disturbance despite the significant drop in generation. A senior NISO official emphasized that the reported outages could be due to local issues and that temporary outages or minor tripping in certain areas did not necessarily indicate a national grid collapse.

The official further explained that NISO had directed its team to conduct a quick system check to identify any anomalies.