The Transmission Company of Nigeria has challenged Ikeja Electric's explanation for recent power interruptions
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has accused Ikeja Electric of misleading customers over recent power outages in parts of Lagos, disputing the distribution company's claim that grid instability caused interruptions on several electricity feeders.
In a statement issued on November 6, TCN said the outages largely reflected reduced electricity generation, lower power allocations and faults on Ikeja Electric's distribution network rather than failures on the national transmission network.
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The dispute followed a public notice Ikeja Electric issued on November 5, attributing interruptions recorded on some Band A feeders on November 3 and 4 to grid instability and identifying TCN as responsible.
The disagreement has raised fresh concerns about accountability and transparency in Nigeria's electricity distribution system, particularly as households and businesses continue to experience reduced supply hours.
TCN attributes outages to low power generation
TCN said the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) had identified gas supply constraints affecting thermal power stations and reduced output from hydroelectric plants as the main reasons for the recent decline in electricity generation.
Lower water inflows into hydroelectric reservoirs had reduced hydropower output, while inadequate gas supplies constrained thermal generation.
According to TCN, these factors reduced the electricity available for distribution companies, resulting in lower allocations, fewer supply hours and increased load shedding across distribution networks.
The transmission company argued that a shortage of generated electricity should not be confused with a failure of the transmission network.
It cited Section 67 of the Electricity Act 2023, which assigns NISO responsibility for determining the causes of disturbances, shortfalls and interruptions on the national grid.
TCN maintained that distribution companies should rely on verified information from NISO when explaining supply disruptions to customers.
TCN says Ikeja Electric was responsible for some interruptions
To support its position, TCN presented operational records covering feeder interruptions on November 1 and 2.
It said 68% of the recorded interruptions resulted from frequency-control load shedding caused by low electricity generation.
Another 26% involved Ikeja Electric's alleged failure to comply with power allocations issued by NISO's National Control Centre, as well as faults and maintenance work on the company's distribution network.
TCN attributed the remaining 6% to its own planned maintenance, switching operations and transmission line limitations. It maintained that none of the recorded interruptions resulted from equipment failure on its network.
The transmission company also reviewed 46 interruptions on the 33kV feeders listed in Ikeja Electric's public notice. It attributed 29 to low-generation-related load shedding and 14 to issues involving Ikeja Electric.
Of the 14 interruptions attributed to the distribution company, TCN said nine involved non-compliance with allocated power, while five resulted from faults or trips on its network. The remaining three involved scheduled maintenance on the Ogba–Alimosho line.
TCN also cited a cable fault affecting the Rack Centre feeder on November 2, which it said Ikeja Electric's maintenance crew repaired.
However, the operational records covering November 1 and 2 differ from the November 3 and 4 outages identified in Ikeja Electric's notice. The figures therefore provide TCN's explanation of the wider interruption pattern rather than a direct breakdown of every outage in the disputed notice.
Electricity supply constraints increase pressure on businesses and households
The disagreement comes amid persistent electricity supply challenges affecting households and businesses across Nigeria.
Reduced power availability increases reliance on generators and other alternative energy sources, raising operating costs for manufacturers, commercial establishments, landlords and property managers.
For the real estate sector, unreliable electricity can increase the cost of maintaining residential estates, office buildings, shopping centres and industrial facilities. Developers and property owners also face additional expenditure on backup power systems, fuel and equipment maintenance.
These costs can influence service charges, rental affordability and the attractiveness of locations where electricity supply remains unreliable.
The pressure is particularly relevant to businesses operating in commercial properties that depend on consistent electricity to maintain operations and serve customers.
Dispute highlights accountability gaps in electricity distribution
TCN urged Ikeja Electric and other distribution companies to avoid making claims about the causes of supply interruptions without verified information from NISO.
It warned that attributing generation-related shortfalls to transmission failures could mislead consumers, weaken public confidence and distract attention from the operational problems affecting the electricity market.
The company expressed sympathy for customers experiencing reduced supply and said it would continue working with NISO, generation companies and distribution companies to improve electricity delivery.
For consumers, however, the disagreement highlights a wider problem: identifying which part of the electricity value chain is responsible when supply falls below expectations.
Resolving that problem will require clearer communication, reliable operational data and accountability across generation, transmission and distribution.
For Lagos businesses and property owners, the immediate concern remains the cost and reliability of electricity, regardless of which operator bears responsibility for the latest interruptions.
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