BEDC Blames Epileptic Power Supply on Shortfall from National Grid, as Protest Hits Benin

Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin

The management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) said the poor power supply in Benin and its environs was caused by short supply from the national grid.

In a notice, the distribution company notified the general public and all market participants that the current average available generation of approximately 4,300MW was primarily due to inadequate gas supply to thermal generating stations.

On Monday, human rights activists mobilised youths against the epileptic power supply in Benin City.

Governor Monday Okpebholo, who joined the youths at Ring Road in Benin City, urged calm while promising swift stakeholder engagement.

Addressing the crowd, Okpebholo expressed solidarity with the demonstrators, stating that electricity challenges cut across all segments of the state.

“I was just passing by and saw people gathered here at Ring Road. I stopped to find out what the issue was, and they said you were protesting. I said, yes, we are all youths, and I have come to join you,” he said.

Okpebholo added that any form of short-change of Edo residents affected the entire state.

He stated, “When we talk about short-changing Edo people, it affects all of us — our parents in the villages, our brothers and sisters in the cities, and everyone standing here. Why should anyone frustrate Edo people?”

The shortfall from the national grid, according to BEDC, had resulted in reduced energy allocation to distribution companies nationwide, including BEDC Electricity Plc.

The company said, “In addition, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is carrying out maintenance on the 330kV Benin/Ajaokuta Line 2, affecting BEDC four 33kV feeders and areas including Uniben, Ugbowo, Oluku, and lhovbor.

“BEDC is collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to address this challenge. We appeal to our esteemed customers to bear with us during this challenging time.”

BEDC said inadequate gas supply to thermal generating stations was also affecting its operations in the state.

It stated, “Given that thermal plants account for the dominant share of Nigeria’s generation mix, any disruption or limitation in gas supply directly affects available generation capacity and overall grid output.

“Consequently. the current energy allocated to distribution companies (DsCos) reflects the reduced supply available on the grid.

“Available operational data indicates that thermal power plants collectively require an estimated 1,629.75 million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of gas per day to operate at optimal capacity. However, as of February 23, 2026, actual gas supply to the stations stood at approximately 692.00 MMSCF, representing a significant shortfall in doily gas supply requirements.

“The available gas supply represents less than 43 per cent of the required volume, resulting in constrained generation output. The current low generation level is fundamentally driven by inadequate gas supply to thermal generating units, leading to reduced energy allocation to the DisCos.”

BEDC explained, “When total system generation drops significantly, the Independent System Operator must implement load shedding across the system, while dispatching available energy in line with the NERC MYTO allocation percentages across ofl distribution networks to maintain grid stability and prevent system disturbances.

“While we regret the inconvenience this situation may cause electricity consumers and affected market participants, we wil continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure full energy allocation as soon as gas supply improves and generation capacity is restored.”