Welcome Address by NERC Chairman at ICEPSOP 2020, Abuja
The Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Prof. James Momoh has challenged stakeholders in the Power sector to join the Commission to make power accessible, available and reliable to all. He made the call on the backdrop of the just concluded 11th International Conference on Energy, Power Systems Operation and Planning (ICEPSOP).The theme of the conference was Empowering Micro-Grid with Smart Grid Attributes Development in United States and Africa.
The full text of Professor Momoh's welcome address at the ICEPSOP Conference is provided below.
WELCOME ADDRESS BY CHIEF HOST
PROFESSOR James A. Momoh
CHAIRMAN
NIGERIAN ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION (NERC)
ABUJA, NIGERIA
Protocols,
The world is currently facing many challenges in energy/power sector resource utilization, balancing available supply to demand, system protection and control of the electric network as well as environmental protection. In Nigeria, our concerns on energy access, availability, reliability and quality of supply, lack of meters, system losses, infrastructure misalignment and affordability of cost-reflective tariffs requires refocusing our attention in pursuit of innovative approaches to regulatory interventions and utility operations and planning in the power sector.
In view of this , the theme of this conference : EMPOWERING MICRO GRID WITH SMART GRID ATTRIBUTES DEVELOPMENT IN UNITED STATES AND AFRICA will provide the required atmosphere to explore innovative regulatory approaches in promoting the following : efficient and competitive service delivery involving deployment of smart and micro - grid technologies (SCADA , smart meters , Distributed Communication & Intelligence ); Access to adequate power (Distributed Energy Resources and Energy Efficiency and Demand Management , EEDM) tools; Cost Reflective Tariffs; Automation of Review processes; Enhancement in data analytics; New Markets (willing buyer willing
seller models), Franchising, EC, Embedded Generation, Mini -grids, Flexible and Secure Energy Sources; Redesigned Network Structure comprising Hybrid of Networks, Smart Grid Technology, and Distributed Generation Capabilities.
In this endeavor, we have here distinguished scholars, researchers, policy makers, regulators, industry operator, students and consumer groups that will contribute through paper presentation, brainstorming sessions and engaging in networking opportunities to proffer solutions to identified sector challenges. The Conference will draw from the rich contributions of participants and experts to achieve the following outcomes:
1. Collaborations between Nigeria/African countries and the USA, in sponsored research.
2. Develop and implement a Road Map for the research institute in electricity utility and regulation.
3. Implementation of global best practices in the areas of Distribution Franchising, Eligible Customer Management, Metering, Customer Service and Stable Market Structures.
4. Inspire students, researchers, public policy experts, regulators and operators in energy and power systems in emerging trends and innovative thinking in the adoption of new grid -edge technologies and related grid - modernization
investments.
On behalf of the organizing committee, we welcome you to the city of Abuja and wish you a very successful conference and outcome. Please take some time to get to know each other and visit our beautiful city of Abuja.