The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued the Order on the Registration and Authorisation of Grid-Connected Private Transmission Substations (NERC/2026/013).
In a public notice on Wednesday morning, NERC said the order, which takes effect on 9 March, aims to strengthen oversight of privately owned substations connected to Nigeria’s national grid.
It explained that 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.
The commission said 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).
Under the Order, NISO must submit to NERC a comprehensive list of all existing Private Transmission Substation Owners (PTSOs) and notify them of the provisions of the Order within five (5) days.
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“Existing PTSOs must apply to NERC for an IETNO permit within 45 days. New PTSOs must obtain the permit before connecting to the grid, as non-compliance attracts regulatory sanctions,” it said.
It said 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 (NESI),” NERC said.
