Permits to mini-grid operators topped the list in 2024, as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) issued about 170 licences, permits and certifications to new operators in 2024.
According to BusinessDay’s analysis of the quarterly reports for 2024 which was published by the Commission, thirty-two (32) licences, permits and certifications were issued in the first quarter of the year. This is broken down into Nine (9) new off-grid generation licences with a total nameplate capacity of 109.69MW, three (3) new electricity trading licenses, nine (9) captive generation permits with a total nameplate capacity of 52.57MW, three (3) permits and two (2) registration certificates for mini-grids and Six (6) certifications for Meter Service Providers.
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The Commission in the second quarter issued eighteen licenses, permits and certifications, including 5 new off-grid generation licences with a total nameplate capacity of 12.36MW, 2 on-grid generation licences with a gross capacity of 66MW, 1 new electricity trading license, 1 system operator license, 1 captive generation permit with a capacity of 5MW, 6 certifications for Meter Service Providers and two 2 permits for Meter Asset Providers.
Total licences, permits, and certifications issued to new operators increased to 50 in the third quarter of the year. 6 new off-grid generation licences were issued in the period, with a total nameplate capacity of 30.06MW, 1 on-grid generation licence renewal (gross capacity of 39MW).
Also, 2 new electricity trading licences, 11 captive generation permits with a gross capacity of 63.36MW, 1 registration certificate for mini-grid, 7 certifications for Meter Service Providers and 22 permits for Meter Asset Providers were issued in the period.
The total number of licences, permits and certificates issued by the Commission increased further reaching 70 in the last quarter of 2024.
The Commission in the period issued 1 off-grid generation licence with a total nameplate capacity of 2.63MW, 3 new electricity trading licenses, 4 captive generation permits with a gross capacity of 22.50MW to new operators.
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Others include 5 registration certificates for mini-grids, 24 permits for mini-grids, 18 certifications for Meter Service Providers and 15 permits for Meter Asset Providers.
