The Federal Government has directed all electricity generation companies (GenCos) on the national grid to activate Free Governor Control (FGC) on their generating units, with strict penalties for non-compliance.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission , NERC,, in an order referenced by its Vice-Chairman Musiliu Oseni and Commissioner Dafe Akpe-neye, said the directive takes effect from September 1, 2025. GenCos that fail to integrate and activate FGC by November 30, 2025, will face a 10 percent penalty on invoices for defaulting units, while any generating unit that violates compliance for 90 consecutive days will be disconnected from the grid.
FGC allows a turbine or generator’s governor to automatically adjust output in response to grid frequency changes, thereby stabilising electricity supply. NERC stressed that the move is necessary to curb repeated system disturbances, ensure strict adherence to the Grid Code, and build a more reliable and stable national grid.
The Commission cited sections of the Electricity Act 2023, which empower it to enforce operational codes and standards to guarantee safety, reliability, and quality in Nigeria’s electricity supply industry.
