The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has reported that Nigeria's grid-connected power plants utilised an average of 81 percent of available generation capacity in September. This information was disclosed in the commission's September Operational Performance Fact sheet, which was posted on its official social media handle in Abuja on Thursday, October 9, 2026.
According to the fact sheet, an average of 5,038 megawatts (MW) was available for dispatch in September. The commission also reported that the average hourly generation stood at 4,089MW, representing an average load factor of 81 percent of the available generation capacity. This suggests that the power plants were operating at a high level of efficiency during the month.
The report highlighted the performance of individual power plants, with Kainji 1 recording the highest load factor at 98 percent. Afam 2 and Egbin 1 followed closely, with each recording a load factor of 94 percent during the month in review. These power plants were among the top performers in terms of utilisation levels.
The NERC's fact sheet provides an overview of the utilisation of Nigeria's grid-connected generation fleet and the level of available capacity deployed for electricity generation during the period. The report is an important indicator of the performance of the power sector in Nigeria and can inform policy decisions and investments in the sector.
The high utilisation levels of power plants in September are a positive development for Nigeria's power sector. The sector has faced challenges in recent years, including inadequate generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure. However, the NERC report suggests that some power plants are operating efficiently and effectively.
The top-performing power plants, including Kainji 1, Afam 2, and Egbin 1, are likely to play a critical role in meeting Nigeria's electricity demand. The country's power sector is expected to continue growing, driven by increasing demand for electricity and government efforts to improve the sector's performance.
The NERC's report is a significant development in Nigeria's power sector, as it provides insights into the performance of power plants and the utilisation of available generation capacity. The report's findings can inform efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of power plants and address the challenges facing the sector.
Key points
- Nigeria's grid-connected power plants utilised an average of 81 percent of available generation capacity in September.
- Kainji 1 recorded the highest load factor at 98 percent, followed by Afam 2 and Egbin 1 with 94 percent each.
- The NERC's report provides an overview of the utilisation of Nigeria's grid-connected generation fleet and the level of available capacity deployed for electricity generation.
