The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has inaugurated the Grid Code Review Panel (GCRP) to improve the efficiency of Nigeria’s national grid and enhance power sector operations across the country.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!A statement released by the electricity sector regulator in Abuja emphasized the panel’s critical role in evaluating and administering amendments to the grid code, which sets the technical standards for connecting to and using the national grid.
High Expectations from NERC
While inaugurating the panel, NERC Chairman, Sanusi Garba, highlighted the commission’s high expectations from the panel members. He urged them to commit fully to reviewing the grid code to ensure it aligns with current realities and addresses challenges in the power sector.
“The members should be dedicated to delivering on the national assignment of reviewing the code to make it fit for purpose and resolve the issues for which it was set up,” he said.
Understanding the National Grid’s Operations
Nigeria’s national electricity grid is centrally operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), ensuring that power generated by various plants is efficiently transmitted and distributed nationwide.
At the heart of grid operations is the National Control Centre (NCC) in Osogbo, Osun State, which oversees real-time electricity dispatch. The country’s power generation comes primarily from hydro and thermal plants, requiring a careful balance between supply and demand to prevent frequency fluctuations that could lead to grid collapse.
To maintain stability, the NCC continuously monitors the system and directs Generating Companies (Gencos) on the required power output to match demand.
Composition and Responsibilities of the GCRP
The Grid Code Review Panel consists of 19 members, including 15 primary members and four additional officials serving in the panel’s secretariat. These individuals were selected from key agencies, including Gencos, TCN, Distribution Companies (Discos), and eligible customers.
The panel will evaluate proposed amendments to the grid code and submit them to the Initial Stakeholders Advisory Panel for further review before final approval by NERC.
Timely Intervention in the Power Sector
Speaking at the event, NERC Commissioner for Engineering Performance and Monitoring, Chidi Ike, noted that the inauguration of the new GCRP members is happening at a critical time, given the significant changes in national grid operations since the last panel was formed in 2018.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the panel, Nafisat Ali, assured NERC and stakeholders that the panel members are fully committed to fulfilling their assigned responsibilities.
Kogi State Takes Over Electricity Market Oversight from NERC
In a separate development, the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) has officially taken over oversight of the state’s electricity market from NERC.
At a handover ceremony held at NERC’s headquarters in Abuja, Chairman Sanusi Garba praised KSERC officials for their collaboration and commitment to learning regulatory best practices.
He assured KSERC of NERC’s continued support, stating that the commission will remain open to providing guidance and information to ensure seamless operations in Kogi’s electricity market.
Speaking at the event, KSERC Chairman, Ibrahim Abdulwaris, commended NERC for its support and knowledge-sharing sessions, which will help KSERC strengthen its regulatory oversight.
Under the Electricity Act (EA) 2023, NERC is authorized to transfer electricity market oversight to states that apply and meet the necessary requirements. So far, 10 states have been granted approval, with some having fully taken charge while others have until July 2025 to complete their transition.
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