NERC Seeks Grid Efficiency Improvement With 19-member Review Panel

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has inaugurated the grid code review panel (GCRP) to enhance the efficiency of power sector operations.

This is as the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) has officially assumed oversight of the electricity market in Kogi State, taking over from NERC.

In the announcement made via NERC’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, the commission said the formal transfer of regulatory authority was commemorated at a handover ceremony held at the NERC headquarters in Abuja.this marks a significant milestone in the state’s electricity governance in line with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023.

During the event, NERC Chairman Sanusi Garba expressed satisfaction with the transition process, highlighting that KSERC officials had undergone extensive training through a twinning arrangement with NERC.

He emphasized that this capacity-building initiative was designed to ensure a seamless transition and equip KSERC with the requisite expertise to regulate the electricity market effectively.

Garba reaffirmed NERC’s commitment to continued collaboration with KSERC, assuring that the national regulatory body will maintain an open-door policy to provide necessary guidance and technical support whenever required.

In his remarks, the chairman of KSERC, Ibrahim Abdulwaris lauded NERC’s support and the knowledge-sharing sessions that facilitated the transfer process.

He noted KSERC’s dedication to leveraging the established relationship for further regulatory advancements and fostering continuous engagement with NERC.

The Electricity Act of 2023 empowers NERC to devolve regulatory authority to state governments that meet the stipulated conditions.

According to him, this decentralisation effort aims to enhance operational efficiency and allow states to tailor regulatory frameworks to their unique electricity market needs.
10 states have taken ownership of electricity markets

So far, NERC has issued orders transferring electricity market oversight to ten states. While some states have fully assumed control, others have until July 2025 to complete their transitions.

With KSERC now at the helm of electricity regulation in Kogi State, stakeholders anticipate improved service delivery, enhanced regulatory oversight, and a more localised approach to addressing sector challenges.

Under the Act, NERC remains the central regulator overseeing interstate and international electricity generation, transmission, supply, trading, and system operations.

In 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) transferred regulatory oversight to regional bodies across several states, including the Lagos Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC), Ekiti State Electricity Bureau (EERB), Ondo State Electricity Bureau (OSERB), and Ogun State to the Ogun State Electricity Regulatory Commission (OGERC).

Meanwhile, the grid code refers to the set of technical rules and procedures governing the operation, maintenance, and development of the electricity transmission system in Nigeria.

NERC said the panel is responsible for evaluating and administering amendments to the grid code, which outlines the technical requirements for connecting to and using the national electricity grid.

According to the NERC, the GCRP will evaluate the proposed amendments to the existing grid code and present it to the initial stakeholders’ advisory panel to review it before NERC approves it.

“The panel comprises 19 persons: 15 members and four others serving in the panel’s secretariat,” the commission said.

“The members were drawn from various agencies including generation companies, TCN, distribution companies, and eligible customers, among others.”

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, NERC chairman, Sanusi Garba, in his remarks, urged the members to remain committed to their national duty.

Garba stressed the importance of their work in reviewing the grid code and ensuring it is well-suited for the sector’s needs.

NERC commissioner for engineering performance and monitoring, Chidi Ike, said the inauguration of the new GCRP members is timely, given that the last panel was formed in 2018.

“And a lot has happened since then in the operation of the national electricity grid,” Ike added.

Also, the panel’s chairperson, Nafisat Ali, assured that the members would work together to fulfill their responsibilities.