Nigerians with large solar power systems can now get credits on their electricity bills by selling excess electricity to distribution companies.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) says eligible households and businesses can benefit under its Net Billing Regulations 2026.
The scheme offers a new opportunity for consumers who generate more solar power than they need.
However, not every Nigerian using solar energy qualifies under the new rules.
NERC announced the initiative in a post on its official X account, urging consumers to check the regulations before applying.
The commission also advised interested users to confirm whether their installations meet the required standards.
Under the NERC Net Billing Regulations 2026, eligible consumers can use solar electricity to power their homes or businesses.
They can then send surplus electricity to their electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in exchange for bill credits.
However, the scheme applies only to renewable energy systems with capacities ranging from 50 kilowatt-peak (kWp) to 1.5 megawatt-peak (MWp).
This minimum requirement means many households with small rooftop solar systems may not qualify.
The scheme is more suited to businesses and industries operating larger solar installations.
Consumers interested in the programme must meet several conditions before participating.
Applicants must be connected to a DisCo network and comply with the relevant technical and safety standards.
They must also obtain approval from their distribution company and sign a Net Billing Agreement.
Additionally, eligible consumers must complete registration with NERC before joining the scheme.
These requirements mean having solar panels alone does not guarantee eligibility.
Consumers must satisfy the technical conditions and complete the required approval process.
The initiative could help businesses with large solar installations reduce their electricity expenses.
Companies that regularly generate more power than they consume may receive credits for the surplus supplied to the grid.
For eligible consumers, the NERC Net Billing Regulations 2026 could provide another way to gain value from solar investments.
NERC has encouraged interested households and businesses to study the guidelines carefully.
