Nigeria’s power sector faces significant challenges, as a recent report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) reveals that only 5,506 megawatts of electricity were distributed to consumers in October, out of an installed capacity of 13,625MW. This represents a power plant availability of just 40 percent for the month. The top 10 energy producers, including major hydro and gas-fired plants such as Egbin, Delta, and Kainji, accounted for approximately 80 percent of total generation.

Despite the shortfall, the October figure represents a marginal two percent improvement from September. However, the industry generated only about 4,290 megawatt-hours per hour, resulting in an average load factor of 78 percent, unchanged from the previous month. This highlights the persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector, including chronic issues with voltage and frequency instability.

According to the NERC report, some power plants performed better than others. Egbin recorded a plant availability factor of 50 percent and a load factor of 90 percent, producing an average of 591MWh/h. Delta generated an average of 347MWh/h, with an availability of 45 percent and a load factor of 86 percent. Kainji stood out with a load factor of 95 percent, but had a lower availability of 75 percent.

The report also noted that the grid continued to struggle with voltage and frequency instability, with average transmission voltage and frequency levels breaching prescribed safe limits. This suggests persistent over-voltage and under-voltage events across several transmission corridors. Grid frequency remained slightly outside the recommended band, with average lower and upper frequencies exceeding target operational limits.

The NERC report comes after the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, stated that the grid can comfortably transmit 8,500 MW, but blamed the meager 5,000MW power generation on misalignment between demand and consumption levels in the country. The report highlights the need for urgent attention to address the chronic challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector, including improving power plant availability, reducing voltage and frequency instability, and aligning demand and consumption levels.