NDPHC seeks NISO’s support for stranded 2,000MW

The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has sought the support of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) to facilitate the dispatch of up to 2,000 megawatts of stranded electricity currently idle across its power plants. Managing Director/CEO of NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to NISO. She was accompanied […]

The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has sought the support of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) to facilitate the dispatch of up to 2,000 megawatts of stranded electricity currently idle across its power plants.

Managing Director/CEO of NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to NISO.

She was accompanied by the company’s Executive Director (Legal Services), Dr Steven Andzenge and Chief Operating Officer of Geregu Power Plant, Abiose Olayiwola.

Adighije called for a more equitable treatment of NDPHC in load dispatch, noting that despite owning the largest portfolio of power generation assets in the country, the company receives limited dispatch opportunities within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

This is primarily because it lacks a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc.

She explained that NDPHC is actively pursuing bilateral agreements with eligible customers to optimize its generation capacity but emphasized the need for fair treatment in the market to maximize its contributions to national power supply.

Highlighting the company’s efforts to boost generation, Adighije disclosed that several units have been recovered, and that the Alaoji Power Plant, shut down for the past two years, is expected to return to operation next month.

“We’re still working to recover one additional unit in Omotosho which will come up by the end of this month. And hopefully in the month of August, the Alaoji power plant, which has been offline for about two years, is also expected to come up to the grid in the month of August”.

She pointed out that because the company is government owned, it was not receiving equal treatment on load dispatch despite being making the largest investment across the electricity value chain.

In his response, the Managing Director, NISO, Engr Abdu Bello assured that the NDPHC would be treated fairly just like other participants in the electricity market.

Bello said as the managers of the national grid system, NISO was introducing measures that would ensure the expansion and reliability of the grid.

“You are the largest utility, I can say, in Nigeria so far with a minimum of 10 power stations and a minimum of 5,000 installed capacity. So you can imagine that if we could only optimize this capacity and capabilities you have. Nigeria would be better for it and I believe in your leadership and those that are supporting you with the pedigree they have,” he said.