The Nigerian Independent System Operator has disclosed that vandalism occurred within the upstream gas pipeline network, resulting in a drop in electricity generation on the national grid on Tuesday.

The management of NISO, in a statement, said the vandalism, which disrupted supplies to gas-fired power plants, forced multiple thermal power stations to operate at significantly lower output and subsequently led to a drop in power supply.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Independent System Operator wishes to inform the general public and sector stakeholders that electricity generation on the national grid has dropped due to gas supply constraints arising from the reported incident of gas pipeline vandalisation within the upstream gas supply network.

“The incident affected gas availability to several power generation facilities. Consequently, several gas-fired power stations recorded low output, which resulted in reduced available generation capacity on the national grid. In response to the situation, NISO promptly activated established contingency measures to maintain system stability and reliability.”

The operator stated that measures being taken include increased dispatch from available hydroelectric power stations, continuous generation re-dispatch, voltage control interventions, and other operational adjustments to balance electricity supply with demand.

NISO expressed concern that the incident highlights the country’s power sector’s vulnerability to gas supply disruptions, as over 80 per cent of grid-connected power plants rely on natural gas.

It assured that the system frequency and voltage profiles of the grid are currently being monitored, while efforts are underway with stakeholders across the electricity value chain to mitigate the impact of the disruption.

“The situation underscores the importance of coordinated efforts to prevent and promptly address gas supply disruptions, especially as we approach the festive period, which is traditionally sensitive for grid operations,” it added.

NISO, however, did not specify which gas network was vandalised.