Grid Metering Standardisation is at the heart of NEMSA and NISO’s new action plan to enhance safety, reduce losses, and boost transparency in Nigeria’s power sector

Grid metering standardisation is now central to a new joint action plan by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), aimed at strengthening technical standards, safety, and metering accuracy in Nigeria’s electricity sector.

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Announced over the weekend, both agencies unveiled a Joint Technical Team that will immediately begin the recertification and standardisation of grid-connected metering systems across the country.

This initiative is designed to boost transparency, reduce technical losses, and improve reliability in power supply.

In a statement signed by NEMSA’s Head of Communications, Ama Umoren, the agreement was described as “a significant step” toward building safer and more accountable power infrastructure.

“The team will focus on metering, standards, inspectorate services, renewables, financial and logistics frameworks,” the statement noted.

Welcoming the agreement, NISO Managing Director Abdu Mohammed emphasised NEMSA’s critical role in ensuring regulatory compliance.

He cited Nigeria’s high Technical Loss Factor—largely due to poorly calibrated meters—as a pressing issue that the grid metering standardisation plan aims to resolve.

“Transparent and accurate meter certification is essential,” Mohammed added, calling for mandatory testing of all new power installations before commissioning.

Responding, NEMSA Managing Director Aliyu Tahir reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to enforce technical regulations and flagged key sector challenges including grid instability from misuse of 33kV feeders and long delays in enforcement actions.

Both agencies pledged tighter collaboration, including the adoption of administrative sanctions to speed up compliance and partnering with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and Customs to combat the influx of substandard electrical materials.

Tahir also revealed that NEMSA is developing new protocols for safely integrating mini-grids and energy storage systems into the national grid—aligning with Nigeria’s renewable energy goals.

“Our goal is to deliver safer, compliant, and more reliable electricity infrastructure for all Nigerians,” he said.

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The agencies also backed a review of the Electricity Act to enhance enforcement authority and ensure sustainable grid development through robust grid metering standardisation.