FG Threatens to Disconnect GenCos Over Failure to Activate Free Governor Control

FG has threatened to disconnect GenCos over failure to activate free governor control.

 

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has warned power-generating companies (GenCos) of disconnection from the national grid if they fail to implement Free Governor Control (FGC) across all generating units.

In an order (NERC/2025/094) signed on August 26, 2025, by Vice-Chairman Musiliu Oseni and Commissioner for Legal, Licensing & Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye, the directive will take effect on September 1, 2025.

FGC is a system that allows turbines or generators to automatically adjust their output in response to fluctuations in grid frequency, thereby helping to stabilize electricity supply.

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NERC mandated that all GenCos must activate FGC by November 30, 2025, or risk heavy sanctions. Defaulters will face a penalty of 10% of the invoice value for the affected generating unit, while units that remain non-compliant for 90 consecutive days will be disconnected from the grid.

The commission noted that non-compliance with the Grid Code contributed to eight national grid disturbances in 2024, including five total collapses and three partial failures.

To enforce compliance, NERC ordered GenCos to install fast-acting FGC systems and deploy Grade Level 5 IoT-based meters by October 31, 2025, to enable real-time monitoring by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO).

“NISO shall actively monitor and enforce strict compliance with FGC through real-time data tracking and monthly compliance reports,” the order stated.

NERC stressed that the measure aligns with its mandate under the Electricity Act 2023 to ensure the safety, reliability, and stability of Nigeria’s electricity grid.