BEDC Explains Power Cuts Across Four States As Gas Shortage Hits National Grid
By STELLA JOHNSON OGBOVOVEH
Gas Shortage & Reduced Hydro Generation Behind Power Supply Decline, NISO Says
ELECTRICITY consumers in Delta, Edo, Ondo and Ekiti states are facing reduced supply following a decline in power generation on Nigeria’s national grid.
The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) confirmed the development in a customer notice issued on Thursday 5 November 2026. It explained that the generation shortfall had reduced the electricity available to distribution companies across the country.
Consequently, consumers within its franchise area are experiencing shorter supply hours and more frequent load shedding.
BEDC regretted the inconvenience and appealed for customers’ understanding. It also assured them that the company would continue to distribute available electricity equitably across its network.
However, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has identified the factors behind the decline. In a statement dated 5 November, it blamed limited gas supplies to thermal generating stations and reduced output from hydroelectric power plants.
NISO explained that inadequate gas supplies had restricted the ability of affected thermal stations to generate electricity at their available capacity. At the same time, lower water inflows into reservoirs had weakened hydroelectric generation.
These constraints have combined to reduce the volume of electricity entering the national grid. Consequently, distribution companies have received smaller allocations for onward supply to homes, offices and businesses.
Nevertheless, the system operator noted that the impact differs across distribution networks. The level of disruption depends on available generation and the allocations made to individual distribution companies.
Beyond acknowledging the difficulties facing consumers, NISO said it was pursuing efforts to diversify Nigeria’s energy sources. It maintained that a broader energy mix would help strengthen the country’s security of electricity supply.
The operator also pledged to optimise available generation and maintain grid stability. In addition, it reaffirmed its commitment to the secure, reliable and efficient operation of the national grid within existing operational limits.
For households and businesses across BEDC’s coverage area, the explanations offer a clearer picture of the challenges behind the reduced supply. However, the immediate concern remains the disruption to daily activities and commercial operations.
Ultimately, the situation highlights the connection between electricity generation and distribution. Although BEDC is responsible for distributing available power to consumers, the current shortfall reflects wider constraints affecting gas-fired and hydroelectric generation across the national grid.
