PENGASSAN: We leverage the Hydropower ramp-ups to avert nationwide blackout, NISO

By Chris Ochayi

The Nigerian Independent System Operator, NISO, has averted a major national grid collapse due to withdrawal of gas supply to the thermal power plants occasioned by the ongoing industrial actions of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN,

NISO management explained via a statement issued on Tuesday morning how it promptly deployed contingency measures, leveraging the Hydropower optimization: strategic ramp-ups to preserve the stability, security, and reliability of the National Grid.

The statement reads “The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) wishes to notify the public of recent major generation shortfalls on the National Grid, caused by industrial actions of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) within the gas supply chain.

“These disruptions triggered widespread gas shortages, reducing available generation from over 4,300 MW in the early hours of Sunday, 28th September 2025, to about 3,200 MW at the lowest point.

“In response, the NISO promptly deployed contingency measures to preserve the stability, security, and reliability of the National Grid.

“Key interventions include:
Hydropower Optimization: Strategic ramp-ups from major hydro stations, contributing over 400 MW of additional output to cushion the shortfall from gas-fired plants.

“Generation Dispatch and Load Balancing: Real-time load adjustments to match available generation with system demand, while preventing a system frequency collapse.

“Voltage and Frequency Support: Continuous deployment of reactive power compensation and reserve monitoring to safeguard system integrity.

“Demand-Side Management: Selective load shedding, applied as a last resort, to avert a system-wide collapse and ensure fair power distribution.

“These timely actions enabled the NISO NCC to minimize the impact of the labour-induced gas shortages, sustain operational security, and maintain supply to critical loads, thereby averting a nationwide blackout.

“The System Operator reaffirms its commitment to proactive grid management, operational excellence, and the application of best-in-class practices to guarantee a secure and reliable electricity supply for the nation.”