New NERC Guidelines Mandate 5-year Technical Audits For Transmission Network

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued new Guidelines on the Procedures for Technical Audit of the Transmission System and Network Data Validation 2026, requiring the Nigerian Independent System Operator and all licensed Transmission Service Providers to carry out comprehensive audits of the 330kV and 132kV transmission networks at least once every five years.

The Commission disclosed in a Public Notice on Monday that the guidelines were made pursuant to Sections 34 and 226 of the Electricity Act, 2023 as well as Section 7.2.2 of the Grid Code, and took effect on 20 July 2026.

According to NERC, the framework was designed to establish a transparent, uniform and standardised process for conducting periodic technical audits of Nigeria’s electricity transmission system and validating transmission network data to enhance the reliability, safety, security and operational efficiency of the national grid.

Key provisions of the Guidelines include: applying to the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and all licensed Transmission Service Providers (TSPs) operating within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), Require NISO to engage suitably qualified consultants to conduct a comprehensive technical audit of the 330kV and 132kV transmission network at least once every five (5) years, or as otherwise directed by the Commission, Mandate TSP to provide full access to transmission facilities, operational records and other relevant information required for the audit, Require TSP to prepare and implement Performance Improvement Plans based on the audit findings and submit annual implementation progress reports to the Commission, Provide minimum competency requirements, scope of work and methodology for the engagement of consultants undertaking the technical audit.