The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced a new mandate for all grid-connected Power Generation Companies (GenCos) to fully integrate with the National Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system by December 31.
The SCADA/Energy Management System is essential for grid operations, facilitating automated controls, real-time fault detection, and live monitoring of power generation output. NERC has warned that GenCos that do not comply with this directive will incur substantial financial penalties and may face disconnection from the national grid.
This directive is outlined in a recently published regulatory framework titled “Order on the Mandatory Integration of Grid-Connected Generating Units into the New SCADA/EMS for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.” The order was made public on NERC’s website on Friday and became effective on May 22. It was signed by NERC Chairman Garba Sanusi and Vice Chairman Musiliu Oseni.
The integration will require real-time data transmission of several parameters, including Active Power, Reactive Power, Frequency, Voltage, Circuit Breaker Status, and Fault Alarms. The document also details additional requirements for GenCos and other industry operators.
NERC aims to enhance real-time monitoring of the power grid, improve operational efficiency, optimize load dispatch, and minimize nationwide system disturbances by ensuring comprehensive visibility of electricity generation across the country. The national grid has faced multiple collapses in recent years, often attributed to poor coordination among generation, transmission, and distribution assets.
The commission noted that while a functional SCADA/EMS is crucial for grid operations, many GenCos remain inadequately connected to this system. The new order mandates that power generators install SCADA-compliant data acquisition devices, ensure compatibility with the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s (TCN) protocols, and allow remote access by the Nigerian Independent System Operator.
The order states, “In accordance with Section 12.2 of the Grid Code for the Nigeria Electricity Transmission System, all generation companies must provide real-time operational data to the Nigerian Independent System Operator via the SCADA/EMS to enable effective grid management.”
Additionally, Section 20.16 requires GenCos to ensure seamless communication and data exchange with TCN’s SCADA/EMS for accurate system monitoring, fault detection, and load dispatch. Section 20.16.1 specifies that SCADA Remote Terminal Units must be installed in all control rooms of the System Operator, at the Off-taker’s boundary site, and in the generator’s control room for signal transmission to and from the National Control Centre.
Furthermore, Section 20.16.2 mandates the installation of interface cabinets in the relevant control rooms, with users responsible for providing and maintaining the wiring and signaling from their plants and equipment to the interface cabinet.
