Dubai: If you’re relocating, you may have to get through a checklist as long as your arm. Among the highest-priority items to check off, in Dubai, is the successful application for an electricity and water connection in your new home, once you’ve finalised a place to stay.Not having running water or electricity can severely disrupt your routine, and delay other moving-in processes, like setting up an internet connection or installing new appliances. So, just how do you go about achieving this important step? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our guide to establishing an electricity and water connection with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).What is DEWA?The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is the government-owned provider of electricity and water services in the emirate of Dubai. It is responsible for generating, transmitting, and distributing power and water in the city.When it comes to electricity and water services, tenants and owners in Dubai must coordinate with DEWA for utility provision, account management and billing.Documents requiredWhether you are moving from one home to another in Dubai, or applying as a brand-new tenant, you can use DEWA’s move-in service to apply for a utility connection. However, note that if you are changing apartments or moving into a new villa, you will need to close your current DEWA account (via DEWA’s Move-Out service) before creating a new Move-In request for your new home. Imran Khan, legal consultant at I K Lawyers, explained: “For the previous tenant, the existing DEWA account should be closed through the move-out process. It is not advisable to assume that it will automatically disconnect. The outgoing tenant should submit a DEWA move out request and settle the final bill.”Here are the documents you will need before applying, according to DEWA’s website:For tenants: Valid Ejari Number and Emirates ID Musa Dayani, a Dubai-based public relations officer, said: “The initial agreement contract or registration copy is required to start a DEWA connection.” All tenants in Dubai require their tenancy contract, known as Ejari, to be registered online with the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Once your Ejari is registered, you are allocated a unique barcode or Ejari Number. Since 2016, the Ejari has been linked to all DEWA services, and is a requirement for setting up your utility connection. Khan added: “The Ejari number is normally required for the move-in process, and there is no general exemption for ordinary residential tenants, except for premises inside free zones and selected premises exempted from Ejari by the DLD.”For free zone residents: Valid tenancy contract For owners: Title deed or sales purchase agreement For commercial and industrial customers: Trade license for customers not registered with the Department of Economic Development How to apply for a DEWA connectionYou can apply for electricity and water services online, via DEWA’s website or app, or in-person, through a DEWA Customer Happiness Centre.OnlineFollow these steps to apply online:As soon as you receive your Ejari contract, you will receive a welcome email from DEWA with your account details, as well as a payment link for the security deposit. You can follow the link to skip some of the steps below, and go directly to the Ejari prompt.Alternatively, you can visit dewa.gov.ae or download and use the DEWA Smart App, available on Google Play Store or Apple App Store.Select ‘Consumer’, then navigate to ‘Activation of Electricity and Water (Move-in).Here, select ‘New Customer in Dubai’ and click on ‘Individual’.In the Customer Type drop-down menu, choose ‘Expatriate’ if you are a tenant, or ‘Investor’ if you are the owner of the property.Next, you will be prompted about whether you have your Ejari number. Click ‘I have Ejari’.Enter your Ejari number in the requisite field, as well as your DEWA Premise Number. The Ejari Number is available at the top of your Ejari Certificate, while the DEWA Premise Number can be found on the front door frame of apartments, and on utility boxes in villas.Click ‘Continue’ and fill in your personal details, including your full name, email address and contact number.Next, pay the fees and select ‘Submit’. You will receive and SMS and email confirmation, as well as your account number for future use and billing purposes.According to DEWA’s website, you can expect the electricity and water supply to be connected within just 15 working hours of submitting the application.In-personFollow these steps to apply for service via a Customer Happiness Centre:Visit a DEWA Customer Happiness Centre in Dubai with the documents mentioned above. You can find a full list of locations here: dewa.gov.ae/en/about-us/service-guide/service-delivery-channels/customer-happiness-centres.Inform a service agent that you require Move-in utility services.Provide all the requisite documents, and fill in the application form by providing your personal details and contact information.You will receive a confirmation receipt, and can expect to have an active connection within 15 working hours.How much does the service cost?Here is a breakdown of costs, outlined by DEWA:Security deposit:Apartments: Dh2,000Villas: Dh4,000Activation charges:Electricity and water connection: Dh125 (small meters), Dh300 (large meters)Registration fee: Dh10Knowledge fee: Dh10Innovation fee: Dh10UAE nationals who are Sanad cardholders (for people of determination) and Thukher cardholders (for senior citizens aged 60 and above) get 50% off on activation fees.
