Golden Penny, MTN, Others Granted Permits to Generate Electricity
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has recently issued permits to several entities, including Golden Penny Power Limited and MTN Communications Nigeria Limited, for the development of mini-grid electricity generation projects.
In the first quarter of 2024, NERC granted nine new off-grid generation licenses, with a combined capacity of 109.69 megawatts, and three new trading licenses. Notably, Golden Penny Power Limited received authorization to construct six off-grid gas plants across Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, and Cross River states, totaling 100 megawatts in capacity. MTN, on the other hand, was permitted to establish four captive generation plants in Lagos State with a capacity of 15.94 megawatts.
In addition to MTN, other companies awarded permits for captive power generation include SweetCo Foods Limited, African Steel Mills Nigeria Limited, West African Ceramics Limited, Royal Engineered Stones Limited, and Armilo Plastics Limited. Captive power generation permits are intended for entities that operate power plants for their own use rather than selling electricity to third parties. In the first quarter of 2024, NERC issued nine such permits with a total capacity of 52.57 megawatts.
The commission also licensed several companies for mini-grid development, such as Daybreak Power Solutions, TIS Renewable Energy Limited, Auro Nigeria Private Limited, Watts Exchange Limited, Centum Dopemu Energy Services Ltd, and DMD Electric Limited.
According to Section 165(1)(m) of the Electricity Act 2023, NERC is authorized to award mini-grid concessions to renewable energy firms to serve specific areas, with obligations to meet local demand. NERC emphasized its commitment to fostering renewable energy by issuing permits for mini-grid systems with capacities exceeding 100 kilowatts and up to 1 megawatt. During the quarter, NERC issued three mini-grid permits and two registration certificates.
Additionally, NERC certified six Meter Service Providers, including four installers and two manufacturers: Genobet Limited, Mojec Meter Asset Management, Epagad International Services Limited, Abdulrahman Ahmadu Zubairu (installers), Smart Meters Company Limited, and Crestflow Energy Limited (manufacturers).
The commission also released 36 new orders and one regulation in the first quarter of 2024, covering various aspects of the electricity sector, including customer regulations, tariff orders, and compliance measures.
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