Oluwafunbi Bello 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has launched a groundbreaking net billing framework that allows electricity consumers to generate renewable energy and sell surplus power back to the national grid, marking a major shift in Nigeria’s energy landscape.
The newly introduced Net Billing Regulations 2026 aim to accelerate solar energy adoption, strengthen electricity supply reliability and attract private investment into the power sector.
Announcing the initiative on Wednesday, NERC said the framework creates opportunities for eligible electricity consumers, known as prosumers, to generate power primarily through solar photovoltaic systems for self-consumption while exporting excess energy to distribution networks.
“NERC hereby notifies electricity consumers, Distribution Companies, renewable energy developers and the general public of the commencement of the Net Billing Regulations 2026,” the commission stated.
According to the regulator, the scheme is expected to boost clean energy deployment, improve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Under the regulations, participants must be connected to a licensed distribution company’s network and install renewable energy systems ranging from 50-kilowatt peak (kWp) to 1.5-megawatt peak (MWp).
Eligible customers will undergo technical feasibility assessments and execute Net Billing Agreements before receiving approval.
NERC explained that successful participants would be provided with bidirectional smart meters capable of tracking electricity imported from and exported to the grid.
“Approved participants shall be provided with appropriate bidirectional net metering facilities to measure electricity imported from and exported to the distribution network,” the commission said.
The initiative is expected to encourage households, businesses and industrial consumers to invest in solar power as Nigeria continues to grapple with electricity supply challenges.
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