The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed owners of privately operated transmission substations connected to Nigeria’s national grid to obtain operational permits within 45 days.
The directive was announced in a public notice issued on Wednesday through the commission’s verified account on X.
According to the regulator, the order—identified as NERC/2026/013 and effective from March 9, 2026—aims to strengthen oversight of privately owned transmission substations linked to the national grid.
NERC explained that the order introduces a regulatory framework requiring owners of private transmission substations used by bulk electricity consumers to secure an Independent Electricity Transmission Network Operator (IETNO) permit before operating or connecting to the grid.
The commission noted that the directive was introduced to improve grid reliability, safety and operational visibility following frequent transmission line trips reported by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO).
As part of the new measures, NISO will deploy Internet of Things (IoT)-based metering systems at substation interconnection points within 120 days.
“Operators must submit monthly operational reports, while NISO will conduct inspections to ensure compliance.
“Overall, the Order aims to enhance grid stability, regulatory oversight, and compliance with the Grid Code in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, NERC recently directed electricity distribution companies to refund ₦20.33 billion to customers who procured meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme.
The directive was contained in a document dated March 1, 2026, titled “Amended Order on the Reimbursement of Meter Costs.”
The order mandates distribution companies to recover and refund the outstanding amount to affected customers within 12 months starting from March 1, 2026.
The regulator stated that the measure is intended to streamline the reimbursement process, improve customer notifications and restore consumer confidence in the electricity sector.
