The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has ordered all the existing Private Transmission Substation Owners (PTSOs) to apply to the Commission and obtain an Independent Electricity Transmission Network Operator (IETNO) Permit within 45 days.
This directive was contained in the NERC Order Number: NERC/2026/013 issued on Wednesday, to strengthen oversight of privately owned substations connected to Nigeria’s national grid.
TheFact Daily reports that the move follows the perennial collapse of the national grid, which has become a national embarrassment, posing grave challenges to households and crippling businesses across the country.
NERC said the Order established a regulatory framework requiring owners of private transmission substations used by bulk electricity consumers to obtain an IETNO Permit before operating or connecting to the grid.
The commission explained that 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. 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. NISO will deploy 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,” NERC stressed.
