The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has attributed the current decline in electricity generation across the country to inadequate gas supply to thermal power plants and reduced output from hydroelectric stations.

The operator disclosed this in a statement issued by its management on Thursday, November 5, 2026, explaining that the two factors had significantly constrained the volume of electricity available for distribution across the country.

According to NISO, limited gas availability has prevented affected thermal power plants from operating at their available generating capacities, while reduced water inflows into reservoirs have weakened the output of hydroelectric power stations.

The combination of these constraints has resulted in a decline in electricity generation on the national grid, leaving less power available for allocation to electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos).

NISO explained that the reduced allocations to DisCos had translated into shorter hours of electricity supply and increased load shedding across distribution networks.

It added that the extent of the disruption varies among distribution companies, depending on the volume of electricity available for generation and the corresponding allocations received by individual operators.

The system operator acknowledged the hardship caused by the development, expressing appreciation to electricity consumers and other stakeholders for their concerns over the worsening power supply situation.

It, however, assured Nigerians that efforts were ongoing to diversify the country’s energy mix as part of measures to strengthen electricity supply security and reduce dependence on existing generation sources.

NISO also reiterated its commitment to maintaining grid stability, optimising the dispatch of available electricity generation and ensuring the secure, reliable and efficient operation of the national grid despite prevailing operational constraints.

The latest clarification comes amid reduced electricity supply to consumers in different parts of the country, with many households and businesses experiencing increased power outages and shorter supply hours.

The operator did not, however, provide a timeline for when the gas supply constraints and reduced hydroelectric output would be sufficiently addressed to restore generation to higher levels.