EL ADVISORY: ANALYSIS OF THE NERC MINI-GRID REGULATIONS 2023

In 2017, an all-encompassing framework specific to mini-grids, the Regulation for Mini-Grids 2016 (Mini-Grid Regulation or the Regulation), was adopted by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). On December 29, 2023, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission announced the 2023 Mini - Grid Regulations (the Regulation), which regulates the construction and management of mini-grids in Nigeria. The Regulation, which replaces the Mini Grid Regulations of 2016 seeks to address stakeholders’ concerns by introducing changes that have implications for both Distribution Companies (DisCos) and mini-grid operators, altering the operational landscape and interactions between the parties within the Nigerian electricity market.

The Electricity Lawyer Analysis of the NERC Mini Grid Regulations 2023 broadly reviews the new regulations and highlights the implications of key provisions on industry stakeholders in the Nigerian electricity supply industry. This expanded advisory version of the analysis undertakes a holistic comparison between the terms of new regulation and expunged provisions in the preceding 2016 regulation; vis-à-vis the implications for stakeholders in the sector.

The analysis also covers likely stakeholders' questions that may emanate from the new regulations and provides relevant answers and advisory responses to the highlighted questions as analyse in this expanded advisory version of the EL Analysis of the NERC Mini Grid Regulations, 2023.