NERC Reports 86% Power Plant Capacity Utilization in August

In August 2026, Nigeria's grid-connected power plants operated at an average capacity of 86%, as reported by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The average available capacity was 4,758 megawatts (MW), with an average hourly generation of 4,102 MW, resulting in approximately 656 MW of unused capacity.

Kainji_1 achieved the highest load factor at 98%, generating 345 MW from 352 MW available. Other notable plants included Afam_2 at 99%, Egbin_1 at 96%, and Ihovbor_2 at 92%.

However, several plants recorded lower utilization rates, with Sapele_2, Alaoji_1, Geregu_2, and Ibom Power_1 generating no power. Despite the high utilization rate, NERC reported breaches of grid frequency and voltage limits, with average lower grid frequency at 49.34Hz and upper frequency at 50.67Hz, both outside the prescribed range.

Average grid voltage also exceeded the prescribed limits, indicating ongoing operational concerns.