Guide · Updated 2026-10-14
How to Increase Your Electricity Load with DEWA
Short answer: A DEWA load increase (also called additional load) raises the electricity capacity of an existing connection. DEWA handles it through the same electricity permit and connection process as a new connection: an enrolled consultant or contractor submits a revised load schedule and single line diagram, DEWA approves the design and issues a connection cost invoice, then inspects the installation before releasing the higher supply.
Signs you may need a load increase
- Main breakers trip when several air conditioners or appliances run together
- You are adding new AC units, a commercial kitchen, a server room or production machines
- A shop, office or restaurant fit-out adds equipment beyond the original approved load
- You plan to install an EV charger and the existing supply is already close to its limit
- A villa or building is being extended or converted to a new use
Who can apply?
DEWA accepts electricity permit and connection requests only from enrolled consultants and contractors, and its guidance says the same process is followed for additional load requests. The owner appoints the consultant or contractor, signs DEWA's terms and conditions for supply, and pays the connection cost invoice. For projects licensed by Dubai Municipality, requests go through the Dubai Building Permit System (DBPS). As a DEWA approved contractor in Dubai, we prepare and submit load increase requests on the owner's behalf.
Step-by-step: how a DEWA load increase works
- Site survey and load calculationThe contractor checks the existing main distribution board, cable size and meter, lists the new equipment and calculates the new maximum demand.
- Revised drawingsA revised load schedule, single line diagram and layout are prepared showing the existing and additional load and any changes to the MDB, cable or metering.
- Apply onlineThe consultant or contractor submits the request through DEWA's website (or DBPS for Dubai Municipality projects) and receives an application number.
- LV design approvalDEWA reviews the revised design and approves it or returns comments to be corrected.
- Connection cost invoiceDEWA issues the connection cost for the additional load. The owner pays it through DEWA's channels; the connection cost is valid for one year.
- Upgrade works and LV inspectionThe contractor carries out the upgrade on site, then requests DEWA's LV inspection. Any snags are fixed and re-inspected.
- Supply releaseDEWA updates the meter or supply arrangement and releases the higher load.
Documents usually required
- Owner's trade licence or Emirates ID
- Title deed or tenancy contract, with landlord or developer NOC where needed
- Existing DEWA account or premise details
- Revised load schedules for the MDB and SMDBs with the new maximum demand
- Revised single line diagram showing existing and additional load
- Site layout showing the LV room, meters and main distribution board
- Affection plan (free zone projects only)
- Owner-signed DEWA terms and conditions for supply
- Site photographs for the LV inspection
Load increase or network modification?
A load increase changes how much power your premises can draw. Moving a meter, cable or substation to a different position is a separate DEWA service called Electricity Network Modification. It is also applied for by an enrolled contractor or consultant; DEWA issues an estimate within 10 working days, and the estimate is valid for 12 months. Some projects need both, for example when a larger meter must also be relocated.
How long does a DEWA load increase take?
DEWA publishes these service times for electricity permits and connections, which it says also apply to additional load requests. They count from a complete submission and do not include the time to prepare drawings, answer comments or complete the upgrade works on site.
| Stage | DEWA service time |
|---|---|
| LV design approval, load up to 150 kW | 1 working day |
| LV design approval, 151–400 kW | 2 working days |
| LV design approval, 401 kW and above | 3 working days |
| Connection cost invoice (Al Namoos, 1–150 kW) | 1 working day |
| Connection cost invoice (other projects) | 3 working days |
| HV substation location and size approval (if needed) | 3 working days |
| LV inspection | 1 working day from request |
| Network modification estimate (if a meter or cable is moved) | 10 working days |
Source: DEWA, Getting Electricity Permits & Connections and DEWA, Electricity Network Modification.
How much does a DEWA load increase cost?
Applying to DEWA is free. DEWA charges a connection cost for the additional load, which depends on how much load is added and what works are needed; the invoice is valid for one year. On top of that you pay the contractor for the survey, drawings, submission and the upgrade works on site (for example a larger MDB, breaker, cable or meter panel). Ask for both figures before you start.
Common reasons for delays
- The new load schedule does not match the revised single line diagram
- Existing installation details (MDB rating, cable size, meter) missing from the drawings
- Landlord or developer NOC not obtained before submitting
- Upgrade works not finished when the LV inspection is booked
Frequently asked questions
Can I increase my DEWA load myself?
No. DEWA accepts these requests from enrolled consultants and contractors. As the owner or tenant you appoint one, sign DEWA's supply terms and pay the connection cost.
How long does a DEWA load increase take?
DEWA's published targets are short, for example 1 to 3 working days for LV design approval depending on the load and 1 working day for the LV inspection. The whole job usually takes longer because drawings must be prepared and the upgrade works completed before inspection.
Is there a fee to apply?
The application is free. DEWA charges a connection cost for the additional load, and the contractor charges for drawings, submission and site works.
Do I need a load increase for an EV charger?
Only if the charger would take the total demand beyond your approved load. A load calculation of the existing installation plus the charger shows whether an increase is needed.
Is moving a meter the same as a load increase?
No. Moving a meter, cable or substation is DEWA's Electricity Network Modification service. A load increase changes the capacity of the supply. Some projects need both.