DisCos bet on UK-backed grid modernisation framework to tackle operational losses
The persistent operational bottlenecks plaguing Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies (DisCos), ranging from aging infrastructure and low metering coverage to high technical and commercial losses are set for a targeted intervention, following the launch of a new grid modernization blueprint.
The persistent operational bottlenecks plaguing Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies (DisCos), ranging from aging infrastructure and low metering coverage to high technical and commercial losses are set for a targeted intervention, following the launch of a new grid modernization blueprint.
Developed under the UK-funded United Kingdom Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) program, the Grid Modernization Framework (GMF) was officially unveiled at a sector workshop in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Wayne Omonuwa, Principal at WEC Advisers, emphasized that utility modernization requires a bottom-up approach rather than off-the-shelf technology adoption.
“You cannot procure a smart grid into a distribution company. You must build it with them, feeder by feeder, in a way that pays for itself.
“That is what the Grid Modernization Framework sets out, and it is what the agreements signed today let us prove on the ground in Kano. If the pilot delivers, the same blueprint is available to every distribution company in the country,” Omonuwa said.
The initiative moved from policy to execution with the signing of two tri-party Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to deploy a live pilot across two selected feeders under the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
With the two tri-party memoranda of understanding signed by WEC, KEDCO and Viathan, the pilot is expected to be implemented on two KEDCO feeders: on the Dr. Jamil feeder and on the Gaskiya feeder.
On Dr. Jamil feeder the initiative is led by advanced metering and grid automation, delivered in partnership with technology partner Shyft and Network Nation UK, while on the Gaskiya feeder, the initiative is led by the integration of distributed renewable energy, delivered by Viathan Engineering.
Omonuwa explained that the WEC Advisers will support KEDCO and its partners in taking the pilot through to implementation, with the framework available for replication across KEDCO’s wider feeder network and other Nigerian distribution companies that choose to adopt it.
In his remarks, Hussaini Sadiq, Chief Strategy Officer at KEDCO, expressed readiness to demonstrate the commercial viability of the models. “This is not a mirage. It is already operational in other climes, and I believe we can achieve it here. We are happy to demonstrate it as the pilot distribution company,” Sadiq stated.
Also speaking at the event, Lolade Awogbade, Green Growth Advisor at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and representative of the UK Government, said that the initiative represents the type of market-shaping intervention UK PACT is designed to deliver, linking policy, finance and implementation in a practical, results-driven way.
“Through UK PACT, we are proud to support the development of Nigeria’s first scalable grid modernization framework. It is designed to be phased, investable and scalable.This is exactly the type of market-shaping intervention UK PACT is designed to deliver, linking policy, finance and implementation in a practical, results-driven way,” Awogbade said.
