Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has explained the reasons behind the current low power allocation to electricity distribution companies (DisCos), which has contributed to widespread outages across the country.
According to the company, electricity load allocation is influenced primarily by the daily requests submitted by the DisCos, as well as the output of generation companies (GenCos). TCN shared the methodology via its social media handles to clarify how available power is distributed.
“The DisCos nominate the quantum of power they would want a day ahead. This helps determine the electricity delivered to them. Once bulk electricity is transmitted to the DisCos, they are responsible for supplying customers within their franchise areas,” the company stated.
The allocation formula is guided by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s Multi-Year Tariff Order, which considers the total volume of power generated by GenCos and distributes it among DisCos based on their customer base. Additional factors include the volume of power accepted by DisCos the previous day and the amount requested for the upcoming day.
As of 25 March 2026, TCN’s distribution load profile showed a total allocation of 2,908 megawatts (MW) to the 11 DisCos:
Abuja Electricity Distribution Company – 503MW
Ikeja Electric – 497MW
Eko Electricity Distribution Company – 425MW
Ibadan DisCo – 314MW
Benin – 212MW, Enugu – 204MW, Port Harcourt – 183MW, Kano – 177MW, Kaduna – 166MW, Jos – 148MW, and Yola – 79MW.
TCN also highlighted infrastructure challenges, including vandalism, as a contributing factor to power disruptions. A notable incident involved the collapse of Tower T99 along the Ughelli/Benin 330kV transmission line on 15 March 2026. Investigations revealed that bracing members had been vandalised, affecting the evacuation of bulk power from Transcorp Power Plc to the national grid.
The company has begun mobilising resources for reconstruction and reinforced security measures, urging host communities to report suspicious activities near transmission installations.
In addition, the Minister of Power, Adelabu, apologised to Nigerians for the outages, citing gas supply constraints as a major factor. He explained that 75% of Nigeria’s gas-fired plants are affected, with only two of 32 power plants having firm gas supply contracts. He called for coordinated action between the Ministries of Power, Petroleum, Water Resources, and Environment to stabilise supply.
“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.
TCN warned that vandalism remains a serious threat to the stability of the national transmission system and urged Nigerians to support security efforts to protect critical electricity infrastructure.
