The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has mandated that all grid-connected Power Generation Companies (GenCos) must fully integrate their operations with the National Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Energy Management System (EMS) by December 31, 2025.
SCADA/EMS acts as the backbone of Nigeria’s power grid, providing automated controls, real-time fault detection, and live monitoring of electricity generation output to ensure a stable and efficient electricity supply.
In a directive published on its website on May 22, and signed by NERC Chairman Garba Sanusi and Vice Chairman Musiliu Oseni, the Commission warned that GenCos failing to comply will face financial penalties and potential disconnection from the national grid.
The order titled “Mandatory Integration of Grid-Connected Generating Units into the New SCADA/EMS for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry” requires power generators to transmit real-time data on key parameters such as Active Power, Reactive Power, Frequency, Voltage, Circuit Breaker Status, and Fault Alarms to the Nigerian Independent System Operator.
NERC emphasized that many power generation companies remain disconnected or inadequately linked to the SCADA/EMS system, which has contributed to recent grid collapses resulting from poor coordination among generation, transmission, and distribution assets.
“The national grid has, in recent years, experienced several collapses often traced to inadequate coordination between generation, transmission, and distribution assets,” the Commission noted.
The directive obliges GenCos to install SCADA-compliant data acquisition devices compatible with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) protocols and enable remote monitoring by the System Operator.
According to the Commission, the integration requirements are grounded in the Grid Code for the Nigerian Electricity Transmission System, specifically:
- Section 12.2, mandating GenCos to provide real-time operational data to facilitate grid management.
- Section 20.16, requiring seamless communication and data exchange between GenCos and TCN’s SCADA/EMS.
- Section 20.16.1, calling for installation of Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) at control rooms for efficient signal transmission.
- Section 20.16.2, outlining the installation and maintenance of interface cabinets and wiring to ensure system interoperability.
NERC further explained that ongoing upgrades to the TCN’s SCADA/EMS telecommunications infrastructure have reached a critical stage, necessitating full integration from all generating units to achieve a robust, functional grid management system.
The Commission’s ultimate goal is to strengthen real-time monitoring, improve operational efficiency, enhance load dispatch accuracy, and reduce system disturbances nationwide.
“Full integration of GenCos will enhance grid visibility and operational efficiency through real-time monitoring of grid operations, ensuring compliance with the Grid Code,” the order states.
