AEDC blames gas shortage for drop in Nassarawa electricity

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has stated that the reduction of electricity supply to Lafia and other parts of Nassarawa State is due to gas shortage and constraints during the dry season particularly November to April, when hydropower generation drops due to low water levels in dams. In a statement on Wednesday, the company […]

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has stated that the reduction of electricity supply to Lafia and other parts of Nassarawa State is due to gas shortage and constraints during the dry season particularly November to April, when hydropower generation drops due to low water levels in dams.

In a statement on Wednesday, the company expressed empathy with the frustrations being experienced due to the limited power allocation to Lafia, which has recently hovered between 5 MW and 10 MW—far below what is required to meet the growing demand in the state capital and surrounding areas.

It said this has resulted in extended outages and heightened customer concerns, including recent expressions of agitation.

 

 

 

“The current situation stems primarily from national-level challenges beyond AEDC’s direct control. Nigeria’s power sector faces significant constraints during the dry season (typically November to April), when hydropower generation drops due to low water levels in dams, and many thermal plants experience reduced gas supply from pipeline issues, vandalism, and other supply-chain disruptions. These factors have led to lower overall generation and reduced allocations from the national grid to all Distribution Companies (DisCos), including AEDC.

 

 

 

“Recent data from the grid operator show that allocations to DisCos have been severely limited at times, sometimes dropping dramatically due to system issues or generation shortfalls,” it said.

 

 

 

It added that similar notices from other DisCos have attributed widespread outages to gas shortages and reduced national generation, emphasising that such declines are not within the DisCos’ control but require collective efforts from generation companies, gas suppliers, and regulators.

 

 

 

“In the case of Nasarawa State, we have managed to increase supply to Lafia up to 10 MW where possible, despite threats to allocations from neighbouring regions and overall national limitations. We remain committed to equitable distribution and are working closely with relevant stakeholders, including security agencies and state authorities, to monitor and manage the situation.”