By Christie U. Omonigho
Energy Window International (Media) – The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued the Order on the Registration and Authorisation of Grid-Connected Private Transmission Substations (NERC/2026/013), effective 9 March 2026, to strengthen oversight of privately owned substations connected to Nigeria’s national grid.
The Order it says 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.
It 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 according to the commission, the 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, and the existing PTSOs must apply to NERC for an IETNO permit within 45 days.
The new PTSOs must also obtain the permit before connecting to the grid, as non-compliance attracts regulatory sanctions, and must deploy IoT-based metering systems at the substation interconnection points within 120 days.
Operators according to the commission must submit monthly operational reports while NISO would conduct inspections to ensure compliance.
The Order according to the regulatory agency aims to enhance grid stability, regulatory oversight, and compliance with the Grid Code in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.