Tunde Bakare
All grid-connected power generation companies have been mandated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to fully integrate their operations with the national Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Energy Management System.
The deadline given by NERC is December 31, 2025, after which defaulters will face stiff financial penalties and possible disconnection from the national grid.
This directive is contained in a new regulatory framework titled “Order on the Mandatory Integration of Grid-Connected Generating Units into the New SCADA/EMS for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry”, and obtained from the Commission on Wednesday in Abuja.
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 order signed by the NERC Chairman, Garba Sanusi, and Vice Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, took effect from May 22, 2025.
The national grid has in recent years experienced several collapses, often traced to inadequate coordination between generation, transmission, and distribution assets.
A functional SCADA/EMS, which 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.
To address this, NERC’s new order compels power generators to install SCADA-compliant data acquisition devices, ensure compatibility with the Transmission Company of Nigeria’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 Plc 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 noted that Section 20.16.2 of the code further provides 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.
“The SCADA/EMS/System Telecommunications project being executed by the TCN has progressed substantially to a level that requires the integration of the power generation units to have a complete functional and efficient SCADA/EMS for the NESI.
“The order aims 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,” the NERC stated.
The commission thereby ordered as follows: “Mandatory Integration into the SCADA/EMS. Pursuant to Sections 12.2 and 20.16 of the Grid Code, all grid-connected GenCos shall integrate all the generating units in the plant onto the TCN SCADA/EMS no later than 31 December 2025.
“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.” The document further provided many other details required from the Gencos and other operators in the sector.