Overview

The Mini-Grid Regulations, 2016, issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on May 24, 2017, establish the legal and regulatory framework for mini-grid electricity generation in Nigeria, covering systems with generation capacity between 0 kW and 1 MW. The regulation aims to incentivize private investment, simplify participation, increase electricity access in unserved and underserved areas, manage grid extension, and promote renewable energy use (especially small hydro and solar). The document, curated by Clean Tech Incubation and Acceleration Foundation with support from ALL ON, provides a simplified summary for stakeholders in the off-grid renewable energy sector. It defines key terms, outlines legal foundations under the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) 2005, and details types of mini-grids (isolated and interconnected), permit and licensing requirements, project development processes, tariffs, stakeholder relationships, technical compliance, compensation, dispute resolution, and implementation status. Key stakeholders include mini-grid developers, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), distribution companies, NERC, and underserved communities.

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