Nigerians with qualifying solar power systems can now export excess electricity to distribution companies (DisCos) under the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) newly introduced Net Billing Regulations 2026.
Gatekeepers News reports that the regulatory framework is designed to encourage the adoption of renewable energy by enabling eligible electricity consumers to generate power for their own use and sell surplus energy back to the grid.
In a notice issued on Wednesday, the commission said the regulations establish a structured arrangement for customers, known as prosumers, to generate electricity primarily through solar photovoltaic systems and export unused energy to distribution networks.
“The Regulations establish a framework that enables eligible electricity customers (Prosumers) to generate electricity from renewable energy sources, primarily solar photovoltaic systems, for their own consumption and export surplus energy to the distribution network under a Net Billing Arrangement,” NERC said.
According to the commission, the initiative aims to boost renewable energy adoption, strengthen energy security, improve electricity reliability, and attract greater private sector participation in distributed power generation.
“The objectives of the Net Billing Regulations 2026 are to promote the adoption of renewable energy technologies, enhance energy security and reliability for electricity consumers, encourage private sector participation in distributed generation,” the commission stated.
NERC added that the framework would also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while supporting the efficient integration of renewable energy systems into the country’s electricity distribution networks.
To participate in the scheme, applicants must be connected to a distribution company’s network, install renewable energy systems that meet approved technical and regulatory standards, and obtain approval from the relevant DisCo.
The commission stated that eligible renewable energy installations must have a minimum capacity of 50 kilowatt peak (kWp) and a maximum capacity of 1.5 megawatt peak (MWp).
Prospective participants are also required to sign a net billing agreement and register with the commission before commencing operations.
“Interested customers are required to apply to their Distribution Licensee for a technical feasibility assessment,” the notice added.
“Upon approval and execution of a Net Billing Agreement, the applicant shall register with NERC in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations.”
NERC further disclosed that approved participants would be provided with bidirectional net meters capable of measuring both electricity imported from the grid and excess energy exported to the distribution network.
The commission noted that exported electricity would be credited based on an export tariff approved under the new regulations.
