By Olakunle Oke
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has released draft regulations on net billing and called on industry stakeholders and members of the public to submit feedback ahead of their formal adoption, as part of efforts to deepen renewable energy integration into the national grid.
The Commission explained that the move reflects global standards and answers long-standing requests from energy sector players for a clear structure enabling consumers who generate renewable energy, often referred to as “prosumers,” to supply excess power to the grid in exchange for commercial value.
Internationally, renewable energy is transforming electricity supply, with installed capacity doubling between 2015 and 2024, while fossil fuel additions have seen only marginal growth. Countries such as Brazil, the United States, India, South Africa, Ghana, and Kosovo have already adopted net metering and net billing systems to encourage renewable deployment.
Nigeria is following a similar trajectory, with solar energy uptake rising rapidly. Data shows that solar panel imports surpassed $200 million in 2023, representing over four million units. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, imports were valued at about ₦125.29 billion, and the country installed an additional 63.5 MW of solar capacity in 2024, bringing total installed capacity to 385.7 MW.
NERC stated that the draft net billing regulations were prepared under Sections 46 and 48 of the Electricity Act 2023, which empower the Commission to hold consultations and public hearings. The Commission added that the draft rules are now available online, and submissions should be sent to netbillingregulations@nerc.gov.ng
by September 26, 2025.
Reiterating its commitment to a transparent rule-making process, NERC expressed confidence that stakeholder input would shape a comprehensive regulatory framework to fast-track Nigeria’s energy transition and open new opportunities in the power sector.
