The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed private owners of transmission substations connected to the national grid to obtain an Independent Electricity Transmission Network Operator (IETNO) permit within 45 days.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a public notice on the registration and authorisation of grid-connected private transmission substations, the regulator said the directive is aimed at strengthening oversight of privately owned facilities operating within Nigeria’s power transmission network.
“Existing private transmission substation owners (PTSOs) must apply to NERC for an IETNO Permit within 45 days,” the commission said.
NERC noted that the order, which took effect on March 9, establishes a regulatory framework requiring owners of private substations used by bulk electricity consumers to secure the permit before operating or connecting to the grid.
“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 stated.
According to the regulator, the directive is intended to improve grid reliability, safety and operational visibility following frequent transmission line trips reported by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO).
Under the order, NERC also directed NISO to submit a comprehensive list of all existing private transmission substation owners and notify them of the new requirements within five days.
The commission warned that new PTSOs must obtain the permit before connecting to the national grid, noting that failure to comply could attract regulatory sanctions.
In addition, NISO has been mandated to deploy Internet of Things (IoT)-based metering systems at substation interconnection points within 120 days to improve monitoring and operational efficiency.
Operators are also required to submit monthly operational reports, while NISO will carry out inspections to ensure compliance with the directive.
NERC said the order is part of efforts to enhance grid stability, strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure adherence to the grid code in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
