NMDPRA partners NERC to cut gas costs, align policies

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — In a bid to tackle rising electricity tariffs, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, have begun high-level discussions on gas pricing, cost regulation, and policy alignment to reduce the burden on consumers.

During a strategic meeting at NMDPRA headquarters, the Authority Chief Executive, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, and NERC Chairman, Engr. Sanusi Garba, explored ways to lower gas transportation and network shrinkage costs, which significantly impact power generation costs.

With gas prices fluctuating and transportation costs increasing, both agencies emphasized the need for policy synchronization to create a more cost-efficient and sustainable energy market.

“Our goal is to create a regulatory framework that supports cost efficiency while ensuring reliable power supply,” NERC Chairman, Sanusi Garba said

With gas-fired power plants generating a large percentage of Nigeria’s electricity, reducing gas costs is seen as a crucial step toward making electricity more affordable.

Both agencies pledged to engage stakeholders across the gas value chain to implement cost-reduction measures.