By Constance Athekame
A power expert, Prof. Stephen Ogaji, has emphasised the need for the system operator to complete and inaugurate the Supervisory Control and Data (SCADA) project to effectively supervise the national grid.
Ogaji made the call at the 2024 Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC) Media Engagement and Training in Abuja on Thursday.
He also urged the system operator to implement the Generation Dispatch Tool (GDT) and enforce all provisions of the grid code.
Additionally, Ogaji called on the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC) to approve the procurement of Ancillary Services that provide secondary controls (Spinning Reserve).
Ogaji warned that the incessant disruption of normal grid operation could lead to reduced plant availability, high generation costs, and significant revenue losses.
He noted that the country had already recorded great losses in revenue due to the inability to generate power into the grid.
The expert also highlighted the impact of thermal fatigue on key components of power generation equipment, resulting in millions of dollars in damages.
Ogaji emphasised that the entire economic system, not just utilities, was affected by the unstable power supply.
Mr Jacob Barasuno, Operation Supervisor at Mainstream Solutions Limited, reported that Kainji and Jebba Hydro have lost billions to grid collapse in 2024.
He noted that these losses have led to different commercial implications, including the inability to meet targets due to damaged equipment and potential penalties.
Mrs Joy Ogaji, APGC’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasised the need to preserve the lives and equipment of power generation companies (GenCos) to sustain economic growth.
She highlighted the importance of increasing energy supply projection while also preserving the lives and equipment of GenCos.