By: Tijani Salako.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has explained the reasons behind the current low electricity allocation to distribution companies (DisCos), as Nigerians grapple with widespread power outages across the country.

In a statement shared on its social media platforms, TCN attributed the reduced allocation to a combination of factors, including limited generation by power plants, DisCos’ load requests, and operational constraints within the power sector.

The transmission company said electricity allocation to DisCos is largely determined by their daily demand nominations, in line with the framework set by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) under the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO).

According to TCN, load allocation is based on the total volume of electricity generated by generation companies (GenCos), which is then shared among DisCos using a ratio tied to their customer base. It added that the volume of power accepted by each DisCo on the previous day also influences subsequent allocations.

“DisCos nominate the quantum of power they require a day ahead. This helps system operators determine the volume of electricity to be delivered to each company,” TCN stated, noting that once bulk power is transmitted, distribution companies are responsible for supplying customers within their franchise areas.

The company further clarified that electricity distribution within each franchise area is determined at the discretion of the individual DisCos.

Data from TCN’s distribution load profile as of March 25, 2026, showed that a total of 2,908 megawatts was allocated to the 11 DisCos. Abuja Electricity Distribution Company received 503MW, followed by Ikeja Electric with 497MW, and Eko DisCo with 425MW. Ibadan DisCo was allocated 314MW, while Benin and Enugu received 212MW and 204MW respectively.

Port Harcourt DisCo got 183MW, Kano received 177MW, Kaduna 166MW, Jos 148MW, while Yola recorded the lowest allocation at 79MW.

The clarification comes amid persistent outages nationwide, with several DisCos apologising to customers and attributing the disruptions to reduced generation capacity.

Earlier, Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, acknowledged the situation and apologised to Nigerians, assuring that efforts are underway to stabilise electricity supply in the coming weeks.

He attributed the outages primarily to gas supply challenges affecting about 75 per cent of Nigeria’s gas-fired power 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,” the minister said.

According to him, only two out of the country’s 32 power plants currently have firm gas supply contracts, while the rest depend on irregular, best-effort supply arrangements.

Meanwhile, TCN also disclosed that vandalism of critical infrastructure has worsened the situation. In a statement signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the company said Tower T99 on the Ughelli–Benin 330kV transmission line collapsed on March 15, 2026, due to vandalism.

The incident, which occurred in Effurun, Delta State, disrupted the evacuation of bulk power from Transcorp Power Plc to the national grid. TCN said adjacent towers were also vandalised, though they remain standing.

The company noted that efforts are underway to reconstruct and reinforce the affected infrastructure, warning that vandalism poses a serious threat to the stability of the national grid. It urged host communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around transmission installations.