DisCos must publish feeder capacity for mini-grids — Expert

An energy lawyer, Dr Ayodele Oni, says Nigeria’s 2026 mini-grid regulations require electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to publish feeder capacity information.

Oni, Partner and Chair of Bloomfield Law Practice Group, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria  on Sunday in Lagos.

He said that the regulations required DisCos to disclose network capacity and follow stipulated procedures for connecting interconnected mini-grid projects.

According to him, the provisions will enable developers to assess the suitability of distribution networks before investing in mini-grid projects.

“The DisCo is no longer just a gatekeeper. It is now a contracting party with obligations NERC can enforce,” he said.

Oni said that DisCos must respond to developers within specified timelines and provide written reasons for rejecting interconnection proposals.

He said that the requirements would promote transparency and provide developers with clearer information on network capacity and connection procedures.

NAN reports that Section 9(3) of the regulations requires distribution licensees to publish Hosting Capacity Information (HCI) on their websites and other platforms designated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Section 9(4) specifies that the information must include feeder identification, voltage level, indicative available capacity, expected energisation windows and known technical limitations.

The regulations also require DisCos to update the information at least once every 12 months and within 60 days of any material change to a feeder.

NAN