The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has introduced new regulations aimed at reducing electricity transmission losses and enhancing transparency across Nigeria’s national grid.

The new directive establishes stricter monitoring and reporting requirements for electricity transmitted across the grid, as part of efforts to improve efficiency in the country’s power sector. Under the framework, operators are now required to provide more accurate and frequent data on energy flows and system losses.

As part of the measures, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has been mandated to deploy advanced metering infrastructure at key points on the transmission network.

This is expected to ensure real-time tracking of electricity movement and minimize discrepancies in energy accounting. Similarly, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has been directed to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to reduce transmission losses nationwide.

The plan will outline steps to improve infrastructure, strengthen grid management, and address technical inefficiencies. The commission also set new performance benchmarks for allowable transmission losses, signaling a shift toward tighter regulatory oversight.

Operators who fail to meet the targets may face sanctions, as NERC moves to enforce accountability across the sector. According to the regulator, the initiative is backed by the Electricity Act 2023 and is designed to support fair pricing, improve service delivery, and strengthen investor confidence in Nigeria’s electricity market.

The move comes amid persistent challenges in the power sector, including outdated infrastructure and inefficiencies that have continued to affect electricity supply across the country.

Analysts say the new regulations could mark a significant step toward a more transparent and reliable national grid if fully implemented.