The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has ordered owners of private transmission substations connected to the national grid to secure an Independent Electricity Transmission Network Operator (IETNO) permit within 45 days.
Announcing the directive via its verified X handle on Wednesday, NERC said the order (NERC/2026/013), effective from March 9, 2026, is designed to improve oversight of privately owned substations supplying bulk electricity consumers.
The commission explained that the regulatory framework is intended to enhance grid reliability, operational visibility, and safety, particularly in light of frequent transmission line trips reported by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO). Under the new rules, substation operators must:
Obtain the IETNO permit before connecting to the grid or commencing operations.
Submit monthly operational reports to NISO.
Comply with inspections and IoT-based metering systems to be deployed at interconnection points within 120 days.
“The overall goal of this Order is to enhance grid stability, strengthen regulatory oversight, and ensure compliance with the Grid Code in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry,” the statement said.
In a related directive, NERC also instructed all electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to reimburse ₦20.33 billion to customers for meters procured under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework. The amended order, dated March 1, 2026, requires full recovery and disbursement of the amount within 12 months, beginning March 1.
The regulator emphasised that the reimbursement order aims to streamline the process, improve customer notifications, and boost public confidence in the power sector.
