By CONSTANCE ATHEKAME

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a new directive requiring all grid-connected Power Generation Companies (GenCos) to fully integrate their operations with the National Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system by Dec. 31.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that (SCADA)/Energy Management System (EMS) serves as the central nervous system of grid operations—enabling automated controls, real-time fault detection, and live monitoring of power generation output.

According to the Commission, GenCos that fail to comply with this directive will face significant financial penalties and possible disconnection from the national grid.

The directive is contained in a newly released 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 published on NERC’s website on Friday and took effect from May 22.

It was signed by NERC Chairman, Garba Sanusi, and Vice Chairman, Musiliu Oseni.

According to the commission, the integration shall include real-time data transmission of the following parameters: Active Power, Reactive Power, Frequency, Voltage, Status of Circuit breakers, and Fault alarms.

It also said that the document further provided many other details required from the Gencos and other operators in the sector.

According to the commission, the order seeks to strengthen real-time monitoring of the power grid, improve operational efficiency, enhance load dispatch, and reduce nationwide system disturbances by ensuring full visibility of electricity generation across the country.

“The national grid has in recent years experienced several collapses, often traced to inadequate coordination between generation, transmission and distribution assets.

‘Functional SCADA/EMS acts as the central nervous system of grid operations, enables automated controls, timely fault detection, and live monitoring of generation output.

“However, many GenCos are still not fully connected to this system,” it said.

The commission said that the new order compelled power generators to install SCADA- compliant data acquisition devices, ensure compatibility with the TCN’s protocols and allow remote visibility by the Nigerian Independent System Operator.

“The order read, “Pursuant to Section 12.2 of the Grid Code for the Nigeria Electricity Transmission System (the “Grid Code” or the “Code”), all the generation companies are mandated to provide real-time operational data to the Nigerian Independent System Operator through the SCADA/EMS to facilitate effective grid management.

“Section 20.16 further requires the Gencos to ensure seamless communication and data exchange with the Transmission Company of Nigeria SCADA/EMS for accurate system monitoring, fault detection, and load dispatch.

“Section 20.16.1 of the Grid Code stipulates that SCADA Remote Terminal Units shall be required in all the control rooms of the System Operator and at the Off-taker’s boundary site and the generator’s control room for the transmission of signals and indications to and from the National Control Centre,” it said.

The commission also noted that Section 20.16.2 of the code further provided that interface cabinets shall be installed in the relevant control room, and the user shall provide and maintain wiring and signalling from the user’s plant and apparatus to the interface cabinet.

It said that the SCADA/EMS/System Telecommunications project being executed by the TCN had progressed substantially to a level that required the integration of the power generation units to have a complete functional and efficient SCADA/EMS for the NESI”

It said that the order aimed to, through the full integration of Gencos, enhance grid visibility and operational efficiency through real-time monitoring of grid operations to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Grid Code for the Nigerian Electricity Transmission System. (NAN)