How to Get a New or Separate DEWA Meter in Dubai

When you need a new or separate meter

• A new shop, office, restaurant or clinic is fitted out in a shell-and-core unit
• One large unit is being divided into two or more units, each needing its own meter
• A tenant needs their own meter instead of sharing the landlord's supply
• A villa annex, warehouse section or labour accommodation block needs separate billing
• An existing meter has to be replaced by a larger one because the load is increasing

Which DEWA service applies?

If the unit is inside a building that already has an approved DEWA supply and the work is a fit-out, the contractor uses DEWA's Getting Electricity Fit-Out Connections service, linked to the building's main project reference. If you are splitting units, creating new metering positions, or the total load goes beyond what the building was approved for, the request is handled through DEWA's electricity permit and connection process, the same route as a load increase. For some buildings, Dubai Municipality or the master developer must also give a no-objection before DEWA will process extra meters; we check this for your plot before submitting.

Who can apply?

DEWA accepts fit-out connection requests from enrolled consultants and contractors only. The owner or tenant appoints the contractor. The landlord must give a NOC in DEWA's prescribed format, and the account holder pays DEWA's invoice. As a DEWA approved contractor in Dubai, we apply for new and separate meters on behalf of owners and tenants.

Step-by-step: getting a new meter for a fit-out

1. Load schedule and drawingsThe contractor prepares the load distribution schedule for the unit's final distribution board, plus lighting and power wiring layouts, based on the approved schedule of the main building.
2. Landlord NOCThe landlord signs a NOC in DEWA's prescribed format for the new meter or fit-out connection.
3. Apply onlineThe contractor selects the building's main project reference in DEWA's system, uploads the documents and submits. DEWA issues a reference number.
4. Design approval and invoiceDEWA approves the design or returns comments. It then issues one invoice combining the estimate and the security deposit, which the owner or tenant pays.
5. Site works and LV inspectionThe contractor completes the wiring and distribution board, then requests DEWA's LV inspection with site photos. Any snags are fixed and the inspection is resubmitted.
6. Meter installation and supplyDEWA confirms the meter installation and supply release date and installs the meter. Power is switched on once the security deposit is paid.

Documents usually required

• Copy of the DEWA-approved load schedule (TCL / maximum demand, MDBs and SMDBs) of the main building
• Load distribution schedule for the unit's final distribution board
• Lighting wiring layout
• Power wiring layout
• Landlord NOC in DEWA's prescribed format
• Site photos for the LV inspection

Ejari and moving in

For premises in Dubai with an Ejari tenancy and an installed meter, DEWA receives the customer and premise details automatically once Ejari is registered. After the invoice is paid and supply is released, DEWA starts the move-in (activation of electricity and water) for the tenant automatically.

How long does a new DEWA meter take?

DEWA publishes these service times for fit-out connections. They count from a complete submission and do not include the time to prepare drawings, get the landlord NOC, answer comments or finish the site works.

Source: DEWA, Getting Electricity Fit-Out Connections and DEWA, Getting Electricity Permits & Connections.

How much does a new DEWA meter cost?

DEWA does not charge a service fee for the fit-out connection application. You pay one DEWA invoice that combines the connection estimate and the security deposit; the amount depends on the load and type of premises. Power is switched on after the security deposit is paid. The contractor's fee for drawings, submission and the electrical works on site is separate.

Frequently asked questions