Overview

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) establishes the Eligible Customer Regulations 2017 to govern the supply of electricity to eligible customers, aiming to foster competition, enhance generation capacity, and improve supply quality. The regulations outline criteria for customer eligibility, including minimum consumption thresholds, metering, contractual, and financial requirements. They specify criteria for suppliers, who must hold generation or trading licenses. The process for granting eligible customer status involves application documents and Commission approval. The regulations detail rights and obligations of eligible customers, suppliers, and service providers such as the Transmission Service Provider, Market Operator, Distribution Service Provider, and System Operator. Switching rules cover approval of power purchase agreements, exit and reconnection to distribution licensee networks, and supplier switching procedures. Access to transmission and distribution networks is addressed, along with pricing including a Competition Transition Charge, Power Consumer Assistance Fund, and Rural Electrification Fund. Metering, billing, and settlement are covered, as well as balancing of energy differences. Implementation is phased, with Phase I for high-consumption customers and Phase II for others, subject to conditions. The regulations designate a Supplier of Last Resort and include miscellaneous provisions on information disclosure, dispute resolution, and interpretation.

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