Electricity distribution company explains reasons behind outages
DisCo says falling national generation causing poor power supply
An electricity distribution company has appealed to customers to show understanding over persistent power outages, stating that the poor electricity supply affecting many communities is beyond its control. The company explained that declining national power generation and gas supply shortages have significantly reduced the amount of electricity available for distribution across Nigeria.
Distribution companies operate at the final stage of the power chain
In a statement issued in Awka, the FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company (FpEDC) said electricity distribution companies only operate at the final stage of Nigeria’s power value chain.
According to the company, DisCos distribute electricity generated by power plants and transmitted through the national grid before it reaches consumers. This means that whenever electricity generation falls nationwide, the amount allocated to each distribution company automatically declines.
The company noted that the electricity supplied to customers in Anambra is generated in other parts of the country before being transmitted to the state through grid interface stations.
Gas shortages and pipeline disruption affecting generation
FpEDC attributed the recent decline in electricity supply to a severe shortage of natural gas used by thermal power plants, which produce the majority of electricity in Nigeria.
According to the company, the situation worsened following disruptions linked to an explosion on the Escravos-Lagos gas pipeline, which affected operations at several gas-fired power plants.
Gas shortages have forced some generating units to shut down or operate below their installed capacity, reducing the overall electricity output available to the national grid.
Electricity sector debt also weakening generation
The distribution company also highlighted the financial challenges facing Nigeria’s electricity market.
Industry liabilities owed to electricity generation companies are estimated at about ₦6 trillion, which has weakened the ability of producers to procure adequate gas for power generation.
According to the company, the accumulated debt has constrained operational capacity across the power sector and continues to affect electricity supply nationwide.
Global energy pressures adding to challenges
The company further noted that global energy developments are adding pressure to Nigeria’s power sector.
It explained that rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have triggered higher petroleum product prices and supply shortages, complicating the cost of energy production in countries that rely heavily on fossil fuels.
Because Nigeria’s thermal plants depend largely on natural gas, any disruption in energy markets can have ripple effects on electricity generation capacity.
DisCo reacts to planned customer protest
The distribution company’s appeal follows reports of a planned protest by electricity consumers frustrated by prolonged outages.
While acknowledging the constitutional right of customers to express their grievances, the company urged them to recognise that distribution companies do not control power generation or national grid allocations.
According to the firm, protests directed solely at distribution companies may not resolve the root causes of the power shortage.
Outlook
Nigeria’s electricity sector continues to face structural challenges ranging from gas supply constraints and infrastructure limitations to financial deficits across the power value chain.
Industry analysts note that improving generation capacity, resolving sector debts, and strengthening energy infrastructure will be essential to achieving stable electricity supply for households and businesses across the country.
