Instructors from the GIMPA-PURC Centre of Excellence in Public Utility Regulation (GIMPA-CEPUR), together with some of their students toured GRIDCo’s System Control Centre (SCC), to observe the practical aspect of the theories learnt in the classroom. The students had undergone a two-week course in, “High Level Training in Regional Electricity Market – the Case of ECOWAS Regional Electricity Market (REM).” As part of the course structure, the students had to visit the SCC to understand how the Power System and Electricity Markets operate.
Director, System Operations (DSO), Ing. Frank Otchere met the group on arrival who, following a safety briefing, explained how the National Interconnected Transmission System (NITS) works.
DSO expounded on the different types of generation – hydro, thermal, renewables; how the generators feed into the power system; how load is managed during peak and off-peak periods, among others. Addressing questions about peak and off-peak times, Ing. Otchere highlighted certain factors such as, weather patterns, and some football matches, which drive demand up and down.
He also explained to the group how all the aspects of the power system are interconnected; working together to deliver power. Throwing light on the role of the mimic board in the control room, Ing. Otchere mentioned that, “It displays system information in real time and in a simplified view.”
Additionally, he explained to the students that, due to the critical nature of equipment in the NITS, “There is a lot of automation and protection in the NITS.”
The students’ questions covered back-up power supply to the control room; load forecast; scheduling; excess capacity; reserves; renewable energy, among others.
The students expressed gratitude to the Management of GRIDCo for affording them such and opportunity, and to Ing. Frank Otchere for the knowledge shared and insights given.
The students’ team comprised, Mr. Michael Opam, Lead Facilitator of the Regional Electricity Market Programme; Mr. Emmanuel Sefakor, Facilitator; Ing. Acheampong Ampadu; Facilitator, and Mr. Joseph Harrison Mensah, Programme Coordinator.
