NERC Unveils New Policy Allowing Nigerians Sell Excess Solar Power to the Grid

(NERC. Photo Credit: X.com)

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced the launch of the Net Billing Regulations 2026, a new regulatory framework designed to allow eligible electricity consumers to generate their own power from renewable energy sources primarily solar photovoltaic systems for personal use, while also enabling them to sell any surplus electricity back to the distribution network.

The regulations are aimed at promoting the wider adoption of renewable energy technologies, improving energy security and reliability for consumers, encouraging private sector involvement in distributed power generation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and ensuring the smooth integration of renewable energy systems into existing distribution networks.

To be eligible to participate in the Net Billing Scheme, customers must meet a number of requirements.

They must be connected to a Distribution Licensee’s network and install a renewable energy system that complies with all applicable technical standards and regulatory requirements.

The renewable energy system must have a minimum installed capacity of 50 kilowatt peak (kWp) and must not exceed a maximum of 1.5 Megawatt peak (MWp).

Participants must also obtain approval from the relevant Distribution Licensee, sign a Net Billing Agreement, and register with NERC.

Interested customers are advised to begin by applying to their Distribution Licensee for a technical feasibility assessment.

Once approved and after signing the Net Billing Agreement, applicants will be required to formally register with NERC in line with the provisions of the regulations.

Approved participants will be provided with bidirectional net metering equipment to accurately measure both the electricity they draw from and the surplus they export to the distribution network.

Any energy exported will be credited based on an export tariff approved by the Commission.

Members of the public seeking further details can access the full Net Billing Regulations 2026 on the NERC official website at http://nerc.gov.ng.