The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced a new initiative, with the adoption of the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR) mini-grid tariff tool.
In a statement signed by the Management of NERC on Friday, mini-grid developers will be required to use the tool to file permit applications at the Commission from Monday, December 16, 2024.
The Commission disclosed that the tool, developed in collaboration with AFUR and key stakeholders, enhances the process of determining cost-reflective tariffs for mini-grid projects to ensure fair and efficient pricing.
“The tool supports implementing the amended Mini-Grid Regulations 2023 by introducing new features such as Portfolio Applications, which allows developers to register multiple mini-grid sites under a single application.
“This simplifies processes, fosters efficient regulatory oversight, and benefits from economies of scale, helping to reduce end-user tariffs for mini-grid projects,” the statement partly reads.
It noted that the AFUR mini-grid tariff tool is expected to be rolled out across 30 African countries in the coming years, bringing regulatory consistency to the mini-grid sub-sector and making it easier for project developers to operate across jurisdictions.
The regulatory body further said that the tool is now available for download on its website nerc.gov.ng/resources/afur….
