Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has increased its initiatives to improve grid reliability and operational effectiveness by involving important stakeholders in the process of connecting power generation units to the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Energy Management System, SCADA/EMS, project.

A senior-level Stakeholders Engagement Meeting brought together delegates from Generation Companies, GenCos, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, the Nigerian Independent System Operator, NISO, and other key participants within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, NESI.

At the meeting, Dr. Yusuf Ali, Acting Chairman of NERC, highlighted the project’s critical role in the country’s energy infrastructure.

“This involvement marks a significant move towards making sure every power generation unit meets the technical and operational standards of the SCADA/EMS initiative. Our joint dedication is crucial for achieving a more efficient, dependable, and open electricity supply sector,” he stated.

Dr. Ali mentioned that incorporating generation units into the SCADA/EMS system would offer real-time system insight, enhance decision-making processes, and reinforce grid reliability.

“Successful integration is not a choice, but essential for operational clarity and industry development,” he further stated.

The meeting emphasized the present state of the SCADA/EMS deployment, the technical specifications required for GenCo connection, and the compliance needs essential to adhere to regulatory guidelines.

Attendees examined obstacles impacting integration and investigated methods to facilitate smooth collaboration throughout the electrical supply chain.

“This program places the Nigerian energy sector in a better position to attain greater efficiency and operational strength. Partnership among interested parties is essential, and we remain dedicated to collaborating for a reliable and open power network,” Dr. Ali emphasized again.

The partnership demonstrates NERC’s continuous commitment to promoting a strong, market-oriented power industry, while utilizing technology to improve service provision and attract investor trust.

Following the successful connection of all power generation units, the SCADA/EMS initiative is anticipated to greatly minimize energy losses, avoid power outages, and aid Nigeria’s goal of ensuring a stable and eco-friendly electricity supply, thereby enhancing economic growth in both industrial and business sectors.