The Transmission Company of Nigeria has explained the reasons for the current low power allocation to the distribution companies, leading to outages across the country.
As Nigerians continue to grapple with widespread power outages blamed on gas constraints and infrastructure challenges, the TCN blamed multiple factors for low allocation, including generation companies’ output and requests by the DisCos.
TCN said electricity load allocation to distribution companies is determined mainly by their daily requests.
The transmission firm disclosed this in a post shared on its social media handles, explaining the methodology used in allocating available electricity to distribution companies.
According to the TCN, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s Multi-Year Tariff Order guides the power sector in the load allocation formula to electricity distribution companies by sharing the total volume of power generated by the GenCos on a ratio based on their customer base.
It added that the volume of electricity accepted by distribution companies on the previous day also plays a role in determining subsequent allocations.
The TCN stated that distribution companies nominate the quantity of power they require a day ahead, a process that helps system operators determine the amount of electricity to be delivered to each company.
Some factors are considered before allocating electricity load to DisCos: volume of power generated by GenCos; volume of power allocated to DisCos based on their customer base; volume of power requested by DisCos; and volume of power accepted by DisCos the previous day.
The TCN stated that distribution companies nominate the quantity of power they require a day ahead, a process that helps system operators determine the amount of electricity to be delivered to each company.
It explained that once bulk electricity is transmitted to the distribution companies, they are responsible for supplying customers within their respective franchise areas.
“The DisCos nominate the quantum of power they would want a day ahead. This also helps in determining the quantum of electricity delivered to them. When TCN supplies the bulk electricity to the DisCos, the DisCos, in turn, serve the electricity customers within their franchise areas.”
It added that “electricity apportionment within DisCos’ franchise areas depends on the discretion of each DisCo.”
Our correspondent reports that data from the TCN’s distribution load profile as of 25 March 2026, showed that a total of 2,908 megawatts was allocated to the 11 distribution companies. Abuja Electricity Distribution Company received 503MW, while Ikeja Electric was allocated 497MW. Eko Electricity Distribution Company got 425MW and Ibadan DisCo received 314MW.
Others included Benin with 212MW, Enugu with 204MW, and Port Harcourt DisCo with 183MW. Kano Electricity Distribution Company received 177MW, while Kaduna got 166MW. Jos was allocated 148MW, and Yola received the least allocation of 79MW.
The clarification came as Nigerians experience persistent outages, with several distribution companies apologising to customers and attributing the situation to reduced generation caused by gas constraints. The Minister of Power also apologised on Tuesday, acknowledging the disruptions and assuring Nigerians that efforts were ongoing to stabilise supply in a few weeks.
The minister attributed current blackouts to gas supply constraints affecting 75 per cent of Nigeria’s gas-fired plants.
“Even the best turbines cannot operate without raw materials. Global gas shortages due to the Middle East crisis, local supply obligations, outstanding payments to gas suppliers, and pipeline repairs have all contributed to the recent decline in generation,” he said.
According to him, only two out of 32 power plants currently have firm gas supply contracts, while the rest rely on irregular supplies on a best-effort basis.
“We are appealing to all stakeholders for coordinated action to reverse this trend,” Adelabu said, calling for structured cooperation between the Ministries of Power, Petroleum, Water Resources, and Environment.
Meanwhile, the transmission company also disclosed that vandalism of critical infrastructure has further affected bulk power evacuation.
In a statement signed by its General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the TCN said, “Tower T99 along the Ughelli/Benin 330kV transmission line collapsed on 15 March 2026, due to vandalism.”
The company explained that the incident “was discovered during a line patrol at Coconut Village, Effurun LGA, Warri, Delta State, following a line trip”.
It added that upon inspection by TCN’s linesman, it was observed that the fallen tower had some of its bracing members vandalised and carted away, which led to its collapse. The adjoining towers, T100 and T101, were also vandalised, although they remain standing.
According to the TCN, this led to a temporary disruption in the evacuation of bulk power supply from Transcorp Power Plc to the national grid through the Benin 330 kV transmission line.
The transmission company noted that it has commenced the mobilisation of resources to facilitate the reconstruction, restoration, and reinforcement of the vandalised towers.
It warned that vandalism poses a serious threat to the stability of the nation’s transmission system and urged host communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around transmission installations to security operatives or the nearest TCN office.
