TUE APRIL 14 2026-theGBJournal| Nigeria’s power sector recorded a marginal decline in generation capacity in the fourth quarter of 2025, even as electricity distribution companies (DisCos) grappled with significant revenue leakages and declining collection efficiency, according to the latest report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Data from the regulator seen today by the G&BJournal, showed that average available generation capacity stood at 5,400.38 megawatts (MW) in Q4 2025, representing a slight drop of 0.55 per cent from 5,430.34MW recorded in the previous quarter.
A total of 28 grid-connected power plants were operational during the period, comprising five hydro plants, two steam plants, 19 Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) plants, and two Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plants. Notably, 17 of these plants recorded declines in available capacity compared to Q3.
Despite the dip in capacity, actual electricity generation improved during the quarter.
Average hourly generation rose by 6.55 per cent to 4,452.71MWh/h, translating to a total output of 9,831.58 gigawatt-hours (GWh), up from 9,227.57GWh in Q3. The increase was largely driven by higher energy offtake from grid-connected customers, including DisCos.
Grid performance, however, remained unstable. System frequency ranged between an average low of 49.38Hz and a high of 50.65Hz, breaching the normal operating band of 49.75Hz to 50.25Hz, though still within stress tolerance levels.
Voltage levels also fell outside prescribed limits, with averages ranging from 297.96kV to 347.03kV. The quarter recorded one grid disturbance, with a partial system collapse on December 29, 2025.
On the commercial side, DisCos billed customers N795.06 billion out of a total energy offtake valued at N969.19 billion, resulting in a billing efficiency of 82.03 per cent—slightly down from 82.69 per cent in Q3.
This translated to aggregate billing losses of N174.12 billion.
Revenue collection also weakened during the period, as DisCos recovered N630.93 billion from customers, representing a collection efficiency of 79.36 per cent, compared to 80.70 per cent in the preceding quarter.
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