By The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed owners of privately operated transmission substations connected to the national grid to register and obtain regulatory authorisation in a move aimed at strengthening oversight within Nigeria’s electricity sector.
The directive was contained in an order titled “Registration and Authorisation of Grid-Connected Private Transmission Substations (NERC/2026/013)”, which took effect on March 9, 2026.
According to the commission, the order establishes a regulatory framework requiring owners of private transmission substations used by bulk electricity consumers to obtain an Independent Electricity Transmission Network Operator (IETNO) Permit before operating or connecting to the grid.
NERC said the measure became necessary following reports of frequent transmission line trips identified by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO).
Under the directive, NISO is required to submit a comprehensive list of all existing Private Transmission Substation Owners to the commission and notify them of the new regulatory provisions within five days.
The order also requires existing operators to apply for an IETNO permit within 45 days, while new operators must secure the permit before connecting their facilities to the national grid.
NERC added that NISO will deploy Internet of Things (IoT)-based metering systems at substation interconnection points within 120 days to improve monitoring and operational data collection.
The commission noted that operators will be required to submit monthly operational reports, while inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance with the Grid Code of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry and to enhance overall grid stability and safety.
