In a move to enhance domestic power supply, the Nigerian Government has opted to reduce electricity supply to neighbouring countries, specifically the Niger Republic, Benin Republic and Togo.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), through its department known as the System Operator (SO), has been instructed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to limit power supply to these neighbouring nations to 6%.
Effective May 1, 2024, this directive was formally issued by the commission’s Chairman, Sanusi Garba, and Vice Chairman, Musiliu Oseni. As outlined in the document titled “Interim Order on Transmission System Dispatch Operations, Cross-border Supply, and Related Matters,” electricity transmission from Nigeria must not surpass 6% of the total grid capacity.
“The reliance on limiting Discos’ load off-take while prioritising international off-takers and Eligible Customers has proven neither efficient nor equitable,” the document read.
The NERC said that the existing international and bilateral contracts with Generation Companies (GenCos) do not meet industry standards. Additionally, the commission noted that clients contracted by GenCos exploit the prioritisation system, exceeding their agreed levels without facing any consequences.
The NERC’s decision to reduce supply was intended to prompt the TCN and system operator to enforce Standard Operating Procedures, thereby improving transparency and fairness in grid operations.
