Stakeholders and partners have applauded the Net Billing Regulations 2025 proposed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), stating that it would accelerate the adoption of renewable energy systems across the country.
They gave the commendation at the conclusion of public consultation on the Draft Net Billing Regulations on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
The Net Billing Regulations 2025 seek to establish a standardised framework for the interconnection of renewable energy installations at customer premises to an electricity distribution network. The goal is to enable customers to export surplus power to the grid under a credit-based billing system.
By allowing consumers to sell excess power, NERC seeks to incentivize the adoption of renewable energy systems, reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based generation and enhance energy access across the country.
Pinnacle Daily reports that the NERC unveiled the regulations on September 4, 2025, marking a significant step towards harnessing the country’s growing solar energy sector and empowering consumers to become active participants in the energy market by supplying surplus power to the grid for redistribution.
According to the Commission, the regulation will address several challenges, including grid instability, limited integration of renewable energy into the energy mix in the country and equitable participation in the energy market.
In line with provisions of Sections 46 and 48 of the Electricity Act, NERC organised public hearings to ascertain public insights into the regulation. The goal of inviting stakeholders to a public hearing on the proposed regulation was to ensure that the outcome reflects the needs and perspectives of all stakeholders, including consumers, distribution companies, and renewable energy developers.
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In a statement, NERC said Tuesday’s public consultation marked the final stage of an extensive nationwide stakeholder engagement process it organised in partnership with GIZ and the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).
At the event, EMRC delivered presentations, highlighting details of the draft regulation, while NERC shared insights from comments and recommendations submitted by 42 organisations and individuals across Nigeria. Over 624 distinct recommendations were received by the Commission during the public consultation process.
“This consultation marks the culmination of a process that began on 4 September 2025, when NERC first invited public submissions online, followed by a physical session in Lagos last week, and now concluding in Abuja,” it stated.
The electricity regulator assured that it would incorporate stakeholder feedback “to produce a robust, inclusive, and future-ready Net Billing framework that empowers prosumers and supports Nigeria’s clean energy transition.”
Speaking at the public consultation, NERC Commissioner for Research and Data Analytics, Dr. Yusuf Ali, emphasised the Commission’s resolve to build a more inclusive, participatory, and forward-looking electricity market.
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Dr Ali stated that the Net Billing Regulation represents a significant step toward enabling prosumers (consumers who generate excess electricity) to inject their surplus energy into the national grid at fair value.
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He explained that the move would align Nigeria with emerging global standards that encourage private investment in the renewable energy generation sector to boost power supply.
He further stated that the public hearing demonstrates NERC’s commitment to transparency in seeking public feedback before finalizing the regulation.
Also, speaking at the public consultation, Milos Karic, Head of Component, Sustainable Energy Planning and Access, NESP, underscored the importance of the regulation in boosting renewable energy adoption and empowering consumers in the energy market.
“This regulation will empower consumers to become active participants in the energy market and accelerate the adoption of renewable systems across the country,” Karic stated.
He said the gesture sends a clear signal to investors and consumers that Nigeria is ready to embrace a more reliable and sustainable energy future.
He commended NERC for the move and noted that their partnership as yielded significant results, including the Mini-Grid Regulations and the Mini-Grid Application Portal.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in Mass Communication. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X
