BEDC Explains Power Outages in Delta, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti as NISO Blames Gas Shortage, Low Hydro Output

The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has attributed the ongoing reduction in electricity supply across Delta, Edo, Ondo and Ekiti states to a generation shortfall on the national grid, following an explanation by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) that linked the decline to gas supply constraints and reduced output from hydroelectric power stations.

In a customer notice published on Thursday, November 5, 2026, BEDC said the reduction in electricity supply was caused by the current shortfall in power generation, which had affected electricity allocations to distribution companies across the country.

According to the company, the situation has resulted in fewer hours of electricity supply and increased load shedding across its franchise area.

BEDC, while expressing regret over the inconvenience caused to customers, assured consumers that it remained committed to the equitable distribution of available electricity across its network.

The company also appealed for customers’ patience, understanding and cooperation as the situation improves.

Providing further clarification, NISO, in a statement dated November 5, 2026, identified constraints in gas supply to thermal generating stations and reduced output from hydroelectric power stations as the primary factors responsible for the current decline in electricity generation.

The system operator explained that limited gas availability had prevented affected thermal power stations from operating at their available capacity, while reduced water inflows into reservoirs had affected the generation capacity of hydroelectric stations.

It said the resulting decline in electricity generation had reduced the volume of power allocated to distribution companies for onward supply to consumers.

NISO noted that the impact of the shortfall varied across distribution networks, depending on the available generation and the corresponding allocations to individual distribution companies.

The operator acknowledged the difficulties faced by electricity consumers nationwide and said it was working towards diversifying the country’s energy mix to improve security of supply.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining grid stability, optimising the dispatch of available generation and ensuring the secure, reliable and efficient operation of the national grid within prevailing operational constraints.

The latest explanations provide further context to the persistent electricity supply challenges affecting households and businesses in Delta State and other parts of BEDC’s franchise area.

While BEDC has linked the reduced supply to the national generation shortfall, NISO’s clarification points to constraints affecting both gas-fired and hydroelectric power generation as the immediate factors behind the decline.