Electricity Crisis Deepens: Back-to-Back Grid Failures

Power Grid Relapses

In a disturbing repeat, the grid collapsed again on Tuesday at 9:17 a.m., triggering a nationwide...

Nigeria's electricity grid collapses for the second time in 24 hours, sparking widespread outrage. Princewill Okorie, Executive Director of the Electricity Consumer Protection Advocacy Centre, criticizes tariff hikes amid recurring outages, demanding government action for reliable power supply.

The national electricity grid experienced another collapse on the morning of October 15, following a previous failure the day before.

On Monday, October 14, at 6:18 p.m., Nigeria's power grid experienced a catastrophic failure, plunging numerous areas into darkness. According to data, power generation drastically declined from 3.87 gigawatts at 5 p.m. to 3.56 GW by 6 p.m., and subsequently collapsed to 0.00 GW by 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Multiple power distribution companies verified this sequence of events.

In a disturbing repeat, the grid collapsed again on Tuesday at 9:17 a.m., triggering a nationwide blackout. By 10 a.m., grid supply had plummeted to 0.00 MW, leaving millions without electricity. This second grid failure within 24 hours raises profound concerns about the nation's power infrastructure reliability. Confirming the collapse, the Eko Electricity Distribution Company reported a complete loss of power.

The consecutive grid failures have sparked widespread anxiety, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria's electricity sector.

Key Statistics:

• Monday's grid failure: 6:18 p.m., October 14 
• Power generation decline: 3.87 GW (5 p.m.) to 0.00 GW (7 p.m. & 8 p.m.)
• Tuesday's grid failure: 9:17 a.m., October 15
• Grid supply drop: 0.00 MW (10 a.m.)

“Dear Valued Customer, kindly be informed that there was a system collapse at 09:17hrs, which has resulted in a loss of power supply across our network.

“We are currently working with our partners and hope for a speedy restoration of the grid. We will keep you updated as soon as the power supply is restored,” the company stated.

The available power supply was distributed among various Distribution Companies (DisCos) as follows:

• Abuja DisCo: 44 MW
• Benin DisCo: 35 MW
• Eko DisCo: 62 MW
• Enugu DisCo: 40 MW
• Ibadan DisCo: 85 MW
• Ikeja DisCo: 72 MW
• Jos DisCo: 10 MW
• Kaduna DisCo: 15 MW
• Kano DisCo: 20 MW
• Port Harcourt DisCo: 23 MW
• Yola DisCo: 11 MW

Princewill Okorie, Executive Director of the Electricity Consumer Protection Advocacy Centre, has voiced disappointment over the recurring grid collapses, despite recent electricity tariff hikes. Okorie emphasized that consumers should not bear the brunt of inefficiencies.

“The constant grid failures are unacceptable, especially considering the increased tariffs,” Okorie stated. “It's unjust to charge unmetered customers for power they didn't receive during outages.” He urged the government to provide clear plans for preventing future collapses and ensuring reliable electricity supply.

Okorie's concerns highlight the need for accountability and transparency within Nigeria's power sector. Consumers demand tangible solutions to address the persistent grid failures and ensure value for their money.

Highlights 

• Princewill Okorie criticizes recurring grid collapses despite tariff increases.
• Unmetered customers should not be charged during outages.
• Government must provide plans to prevent future grid failures.
• Electricity consumers demand reliability and value for their money.