The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has given private transmission substations connected to the national grid 45 days to get permits.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday on the commission’s verified X handle, it said the order (NERC/2026/013), effective March 9, 2026, is to strengthen oversight of privately owned substations connected to Nigeria’s national grid.
NERC said 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 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 days.
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.
According to the notice, NISO will deploy IoT-based metering systems at substation interconnection points within 120 days.
