Discos Initiate Load Shedding as Power Generation Plummets

Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) commenced load shedding across their networks on the evening of the incident due to a sharp decline in power generation on the national grid, which dropped to 1,132.02 megawatts (MW) at 8:30 PM. This situation indicated a partial collapse of the national grid, as reflected in real-time data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator’s (NISO) grid performance dashboard, where several major generating plants reported zero output.

Eko Disco confirmed the supply disruption, attributing it to low allocation from the grid. At the time, only 10 generating companies contributed to the system, with a low point of 700MW recorded earlier.

By 9 PM, generation increased to 1,793.79MW as efforts were made to restore supply. The Jebba Hydroelectric Power Plant was the largest contributor at 483MW.

This incident is the first grid disturbance under the new Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding the stability of Nigeria’s electricity system.