…Explains causes of system collapse
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has emphasized the critical need
for precise and transparent communication with the public to foster trust in the power
sector and prevent unnecessary alarm during system disruptions or major
developments within the industry.
This emphasis came from NISO’s Managing Director and CEO, Engr. Abdu Bello
Mohammed, during an online media interaction with several Energy Correspondents,
media organizations and professionals across Nigeria including some heads of
corporate communications departments from Distribution Companies (DisCos). He
expressed concern over misleading headlines and inaccurate information about the
organization and the power sector appearing in public discourse.
He appealed to media professionals to underscore the importance of verifying information directly with NISO before publication, noting that this practice could help improve the organization’s image
and prevent public confusion.
Engr. Mohammed acknowledged past lapses in consistent engagement with the media
regarding NISO’s operations and pledged to bridge this communication gap. He assured
participants of regular updates and interactions to ensure members of the press are
equipped with accurate information for public dissemination.
In response to requests from media representatives during the discussion, the MD/CEO
elaborated on the causes of system collapses and promised to organize training
sessions to deepen media understanding of NISO’s operations. He recognized that
while many energy journalists are industry veterans with substantial expertise and
experience, training would further enhance their capacity for precise reporting on the
sector. He assured the Association of Energy Correspondents of his full support in
carrying out their activities.
Explaining system collapses further, Engr. Mohammed noted that these disruptions can
occur at any point in the power value chain, whether generation, transmission, or
distribution. However, NISO is committed to immediate response measures to ensure
swift restoration to normal operations whenever such issues arise.
According to him, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) oversees the
management and stabilization of the National Grid, which comprises interconnected
high-voltage transmission lines, substations, and other equipment spanning the country.
The grid frequency serves as an indicator of the balance between electricity demand
and supply, reflecting the power dispatched from generation companies (GenCos) to
consumers through the transmission system.
Frequency is measured in hertz (Hz), with the Grid Code stipulating that the nominal
operating frequency at 50Hz. For example, at any given point in time, the system
operator manages to balance the system frequency through balancing of supply
(generation) demand (consumption), maintaining a balanced system within a frequency
of 50Hz + or – 2.5%. However, such perfect balancing is extremely a difficult activity
most especially with largely manual system operation and low system visibility.
As explained, the Nigerian National Grid is designed to operate within a specific
frequency range: an upper limit of 51.25Hz and a lower limit of 48.75Hz. The role of
NISO is to ensure that fluctuations stay within these boundaries. Any substantial
deviation beyond these limits—whether above or below—runs the risk of triggering a
national grid collapse.
The NISO leadership detailed two types of system collapses: total and partial. A Total
System Collapse, or total grid failure, occurs when generation capacity falls to zero
megawatts, leading to a nationwide power supply shutdown across the interconnected
national grid. Partial System Collapse, on the other hand, involves localized
disturbances impacting only part of the grid. These issues often stem from voltage and
frequency instabilities as cascading failures initiated by generation tripping, transmission
line tripping of distribution lines tripping. Either of these or both can trigger total system
collapse or partial collapse depending on the magnitude or severity of load loss.
Additionally, it was further explained that grid disturbances or instability could manifest
as frequency fluctuates or rapid load drops, which might—but do not always—lead to
collapse scenarios.
A representative from one of the DisCos commended NISO for its initiative in fostering
detailed engagement with the media and other stakeholders within the value chain. He
emphasized that such efforts would significantly enhance effective and reliable
communication with electricity consumers across Nigeria.
Concluding the session, NISO reassured journalists of its commitment to fostering
stronger collaboration with the media. The organization reiterated that it welcomes
inquiries and encourages reporters to reach out directly or consult NISO’s website
www.niso.org.ng for accurate and up-to-date information.
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