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From Design Submission to Final Energization

A Step-by-Step Guide for Consultants, Contractors & Developers in Sharjah

Introduction

Getting a new building connected to SEWA electricity in Sharjah is not a single event — it is a structured, multi-stage process involving consultants, contractors, SEWA’s engineering department, high-voltage specialists, and finally the connections department. Each stage has specific responsibilities, documents, and fees that must be completed in the correct sequence.

This guide is written for consultants, MEP engineers, project managers, and developers who want a clear end-to-end picture of exactly what happens — and who is responsible — at every stage, from the first design submission all the way to the moment the meter is live and the building is energized.

Stages Covered in This Guide

1. Initial Approval — Consultant submits to SEWA Engineering
2. Shop Drawing Approval — Contractor prepares and submits for review
3. Site Inspection — SEWA inspects the completed electrical installation
4. NOC Issuance — SEWA issues the No Objection Certificate
5. Payment of Load Charges (per kVA)
6. Payment of Transformer & Cable Charges (client obligation)
7. Meter Deposit Payment
8. Transformer Installation — HV Contractor coordinates with SEWA
9. Meter Fixing by SEWA
10. Final Energization by SEWA Connections Department

STEP 1

Initial Approval — Consultant Submits to SEWA Engineering Responsible: Appointed Consultant

Every new construction project in Sharjah requiring an electricity supply from SEWA must begin with an Initial Approval submission by the project’s appointed consultant. This is the formal opening of the project file with SEWA’s Engineering Department and is a mandatory prerequisite before any electrical construction work commences on site.

The consultant — who must hold a valid Sharjah Economic License — prepares and submits the initial design package to SEWA. This submission typically includes:

• Single-line diagram (SLD) showing proposed electrical load and distribution layout
• Site plan indicating the plot boundary, building footprint, and proposed substation or transformer room location
• Load schedule detailing connected and demand loads in kVA
• Proposed supply voltage level (Low Voltage or High Voltage) based on total load
• Details of the proposed meter room, switchgear room, or substation room
• Copy of the approved building permit from the relevant municipality

SEWA’s engineering team reviews the submission and provides comments or approval. This stage determines the supply type (LV or HV), assigns a project reference number, and establishes the formal basis for all subsequent approvals.

CONSULTANT TIP Projects with a connected load above 200 kVA will typically be directed toward a High Voltage (11kV) supply with a dedicated transformer room or outdoor substation. The transformer room must meet SEWA’s dimensional and clearance requirements. Confirm these dimensions with SEWA at this initial stage to avoid costly redesigns later.

STEP 2

Shop Drawing Approval — Contractor Submits for Review Responsible: SEWA-Registered Electrical Contractor

Once the initial approval is secured, the appointed electrical contractor — who must hold a valid SEWA contractor registration — prepares the full Shop Drawing Package for SEWA’s detailed review. This is the technical heart of the approval process, and SEWA will not issue an inspection or NOC without an approved set of shop drawings on record.

Shop drawings must be submitted when the project has reached approximately 60% construction completion (SEWA revised this threshold downward from the previous 75% requirement to allow earlier processing). Key documents in the shop drawing package include:

• Approved and stamped electrical layout drawings (distribution boards, cable routes, earthing)
• Final load schedule matching the installed switchgear and distribution boards
• Panel schedules and circuit breaker sizing calculations
• Earthing and lightning protection system drawings and calculations
• Cable sizing calculations and voltage drop calculations
• Substation layout drawing (for HV projects) showing transformer positioning, LV panel room, cable trenches
• Material submittals — confirming all cables, switchgear, and panels are SEWA-approved makes and models
• Fire alarm, ELV, and emergency lighting drawings (reviewed in coordination with Civil Defence)

SEWA’s Engineering Department reviews the package and returns comments, typically within a few working days if the submission is complete. The contractor addresses all comments and resubmits until a formal approval stamp is issued on the drawings.

COMMON DELAY POINT The most frequent cause of shop drawing rejection is the use of materials not on SEWA’s approved product list. All cables, distribution boards, energy meters, switchgear, and transformer equipment must come from SEWA- approved manufacturers. Confirm the approved list with SEWA before procurement — do not assume that a product approved in Dubai or Abu Dhabi is automatically accepted by SEWA.

STEP 3

SEWA Site Inspection — Verifying the Installation Responsible: SEWA Inspection Team + Contractor

With shop drawings approved and the electrical installation substantially complete, the contractor applies for a SEWA Site Inspection. A SEWA inspection team visits the project to verify that the installation on site matches the approved shop drawings in every material respect.

During the inspection, SEWA’s engineers will check:

• Distribution board and panel installation — labelling, busbars, breaker ratings, and cable terminations
• Main incomer cable route from the proposed SEWA supply point to the main LV or HV switchboard
• Earthing and bonding system — earth electrode installation, earth continuity, and bonding to metalwork
• Substation or transformer room — dimensions, ventilation, cable trench, sump, access door clearance, and fire protection
• Meter room — meter panel position, cable entry, space for SEWA CT (current transformer) metering equipment
• Visual confirmation that materials used match approved submittals
• Safety signage, warning notices, and isolation provisions

If deficiencies are found, SEWA issues a snag list and a re-inspection is required after rectification. Once the inspection is passed, SEWA proceeds to issue the NOC.

PREPARATION ADVICE Ensure the transformer room floor slab is fully finished, the substation door is installed, cable trenches are clean, and all cable terminations are completed before requesting the inspection. A failed inspection causes re-inspection fees and delays the NOC — which delays all downstream payments and energization.

STEP 4

NOC Issuance by SEWA Responsible: SEWA Engineering Department

Following a successful inspection, SEWA issues the No Objection Certificate (NOC). This is the critical milestone document in the entire process — it confirms that SEWA has reviewed the design, approved the shop drawings, and physically inspected the installation and has no objection to proceeding with the permanent electricity supply connection.

The NOC unlocks the financial and logistical steps that follow. No load charges, transformer charges, cable charges, meter deposits, or connection works can be processed without a valid SEWA NOC in hand.

The NOC will specify:

• The approved connected load in kVA
• The supply voltage — Low Voltage or High Voltage 11kV
• The transformer capacity required (for HV projects)
• The applicable load charges, transformer charges, and cable charges payable by the client
• Reference to the meter deposit amount applicable to the project type

IMPORTANT Keep the original NOC safely filed. It will be required when paying charges at the SEWA Customer Happiness Centre, when the HV contractor coordinates transformer installation, and when applying for final meter fixing and energization.

STEP 5

Payment of Load Charges (per kVA) Responsible: Client / Developer

After the NOC is received, the client (property owner or developer) must pay the Electricity Connection Fee — commonly known as Load Charges — to SEWA. This fee is calculated based on the total approved load in kVA and the category of the project.

SEWA’s current load charge schedule is as follows:

Connection Type	Category	Load (kVA)	Fee (AED/kVA)	Expedited (AED/kVA)
Low Voltage (LV)	UAE National Housing	1 – 100	AED 100	—
Low Voltage (LV)	UAE National Housing	> 100	AED 150	—
Low Voltage (LV)	Commercial / Industrial / Expatriate	Any	AED 1,000	AED 1,500
Low Voltage (LV)	Commercial / Industrial	200 – 1,000	AED 800	AED 1,200
Low Voltage (LV)	Commercial / Industrial	1,001 – 3,000	AED 1,100	AED 1,650
Low Voltage (LV)	Commercial / Industrial	> 3,000	AED 1,500	AED 2,250

Example calculation: A commercial building with an approved load of 1,500 kVA supplied at High Voltage would be charged: 1,500 kVA x AED 1,100 = AED 1,650,000 in load charges. For the expedited option: 1,500 x AED 1,650 = AED 2,475,000.

NOTE ON FEES SEWA fees are subject to revision by decree and should be confirmed directly with SEWA at the time of application. The figures above reflect the published schedule as of 2024-2025. A 10% discount may apply to delivery fees for UAE National housing only.

STEP 6

Payment of Transformer & HV Cable Charges Responsible: Client / Developer

For projects supplied at High Voltage — typically any project with a load above 200 kVA — the client is responsible for bearing the cost of the transformer(s) and the HV cable infrastructure that SEWA installs to serve the project. This is a direct cost to the developer, paid to SEWA in addition to the load charges described above.

These charges cover:

• The cost of the distribution transformer(s) sized and supplied by SEWA (e.g. 500 kVA, 1,000 kVA, 1,500 kVA units)
• The cost of the HV cable from the nearest SEWA ring main unit (RMU) or feeder pillar to the project’s substation
• Cable jointing, terminations, and associated civil works for cable laying in the public right-of-way
• The Ring Main Unit (RMU) or fuse-switch unit installed within the project’s transformer room (owned and operated by SEWA)

The transformer and cable charges are calculated by SEWA’s engineering team based on the actual transformer capacity required and the distance from the existing HV network to the project site. These figures are communicated to the client either in the NOC or via a separate cost letter from SEWA.

Item	Who Pays	Basis of Charge
Distribution Transformer(s)	Client / Developer	Cost of transformer unit at SEWA’s prevailing price
HV Cable (SEWA network to substation)	Client / Developer	Per-metre rate x cable length + jointing costs
Ring Main Unit (RMU) inside substation	Client / Developer	Equipment cost; remains SEWA property
Cable laying in public road (excavation, reinstatement)	Client / Developer	Included in SEWA’s cable infrastructure charge

OWNERSHIP NOTE Although the client pays for the transformer and HV cable infrastructure, these assets remain the property of SEWA after installation. SEWA is responsible for all maintenance, repair, and eventual replacement of these assets throughout the life of the supply.

STEP 7

Meter Deposit Payment Responsible: Client / End-User / Property Owner

Before SEWA will fix a meter and open a permanent account, a security deposit must be paid. This is a refundable deposit held by SEWA for the duration of the electricity supply and returned when the supply is permanently cancelled and the meter is removed.

The meter installation fees (paid once, non-refundable) are as follows:

Meter Type	Installation / Inspection Fee (AED)
Single-Phase (Normal) Meter	AED 150
Three-Phase Meter	AED 250
CT (Current Transformer) Meter — for large commercial/industrial projects	AED 600

The security deposit amount varies by consumer category and is calculated based on estimated monthly consumption. For commercial and industrial connections, the deposit is typically equivalent to two to three months of estimated electricity bills. This amount is confirmed by SEWA at the time of meter application and must be paid before meter fixing is scheduled.

FINANCIAL PLANNING TIP For large industrial projects with high CT metering, the security deposit can be a significant sum. Factor this into the project’s working capital planning well in advance of the energization date. The deposit is fully refundable upon disconnection, provided all bills are settled.

STEP 8

Transformer Installation — HV Contractor & SEWA Coordination Responsible: SEWA-Approved HV Contractor + SEWA HV Team

With all payments made, SEWA schedules the physical installation of the transformer and HV cable infrastructure. This work is executed by SEWA’s own High Voltage (HV) team, coordinated through a SEWA-approved and registered HV contractor appointed by the client.

The HV contractor’s responsibilities during this stage include:

• Coordinating with SEWA’s HV department for scheduling of the outage (shutdown) on the existing HV network to allow safe cable jointing and termination
• Supervising or carrying out the HV cable installation inside the project boundary, including cable pulling through the substation and connection to the RMU
• Installation of the transformer onto its plinth within the transformer room, including oil containment bund verification
• Completion of the HV cable joint between the SEWA feeder and the project’s RMU terminals
• Testing and commissioning of the transformer in coordination with SEWA’s HV team
• Energization of the transformer by SEWA — only SEWA engineers can authorize and carry out the HV energization on their network

SAFETY CRITICAL HV work — including cable jointing, RMU connections, and transformer energization — may only be performed by SEWA-authorized personnel or contractors holding SEWA’s HV competency registration. No unauthorized access to the HV side of the substation is permitted at any time. The client’s LV contractor must not touch any HV equipment.

STEP 9

Meter Fixing by SEWA Responsible: SEWA Metering Department

Once the transformer is energized and LV power is available at the main LV switchboard, SEWA’s Metering Department schedules a visit to install and seal the electricity meter. For large commercial and industrial projects, this is a CT (Current Transformer) metering installation, where external current transformers are fitted to the main LV cables and connected to the tariff meter panel.

The meter fixing process involves:

• SEWA metering team arriving on site with the appropriate meter type (single-phase, three-phase, or CT meter)
• Verification that the meter panel position, wiring, and CT mounting comply with SEWA’s metering standards
• Physical installation and connection of the meter and CTs to the main incomer
• Official sealing of the meter enclosure with SEWA tamper-evident seals
• Recording of the initial meter reading in SEWA’s system and opening of the customer account

METER PANEL REQUIREMENTS The meter panel must be accessible to SEWA at all times for reading and inspection — it must not be locked in a room where SEWA cannot gain access. For CT metered projects, ensure the CT mounting position on the main cable allows SEWA’s team to install and clamp the CTs safely with adequate working space. This is a common omission on first-time projects.

STEP 10

Final Energization — SEWA Connections Department Responsible: SEWA Connections Department

The final step is the formal energization of the permanent supply, carried out by SEWA’s Connections Department. This is the moment the building goes live on permanent mains power from SEWA’s network.

The Connections Department will only proceed with final energization after confirming that all of the following are in order:

• NOC is valid and on file with SEWA
• All load charges have been paid and receipts are recorded in SEWA’s system
• Transformer and cable charges have been paid in full
• Meter deposit has been received and the customer account is open
• Meter has been physically installed and sealed by SEWA metering team
• The transformer has been energized by the HV team and LV supply is available

The Connections Department then closes the main breaker or fuse on the SEWA LV network side, establishing the permanent supply connection. The building is now energized on SEWA’s permanent tariff, billing begins from the meter reading recorded at the time of meter installation, and the project’s electrical journey with SEWA is complete.

FINAL SAFETY CHECK Before requesting final energization, confirm internally that the building’s LV distribution system is ready to receive live power safely — all distribution boards are complete, all unused ways are blanked off, all circuit breakers are in the correct position, and the earthing system is verified. Energizing into an incomplete internal installation is a safety risk and a SEWA regulation violation.

Quick-Reference Process Summary

The table below summarises all 10 stages, the responsible party, and the key action at each step.

Stage	Step	Responsible Party	Key Action
1	Initial Approval	Consultant	Submit SLD, site plan, load schedule & building permit to SEWA Engineering
2	Shop Drawing Approval	Electrical Contractor	Submit full drawing package to SEWA at ~60% construction completion
3	SEWA Site Inspection	SEWA + Contractor	SEWA inspects completed installation against approved drawings
4	NOC Issuance	SEWA Engineering	SEWA issues No Objection Certificate confirming approved kVA and charges
5	Load Charges Paid( after initial approval)	Client / Developer	Pay connection fee per kVA (AED 800–1,500/kVA for HV commercial projects)
6	Transformer & Cable Charges	Client / Developer	Pay cost of SEWA transformer(s) and HV cable infrastructure
7	Meter Deposit Paid	Client / Property Owner	Pay refundable security deposit and meter inspection fee (AED 150–600)
8	Transformer Installation	HV Contractor + SEWA HV Team	Transformer and HV cable installed, tested, and HV-energized by SEWA
9	Meter Fixed by SEWA	SEWA Metering Department	CT meter installed, sealed, customer account opened and reading recorded
10	Final Energization	SEWA Connections Dept.	SEWA closes LV supply; building goes live; billing begins

Plan Early. Follow the Sequence. Avoid Delays.

The SEWA engineering approval process is logical and well-structured — but delays most commonly occur when stages are attempted out of sequence, when materials are not pre-approved by SEWA, or when financial payments are not prepared in advance. By understanding the full process from the outset, consultants, contractors, and developers can budget accurately, plan realistic timelines, and avoid the costly surprises that catch unprepared projects off guard.

The three most common causes of project delays in the SEWA process are:

• Using non-SEWA-approved materials discovered only at the shop drawing or inspection stage
• Failure to budget for transformer and cable charges — often a significant and unexpected cost
• Not coordinating the HV contractor engagement early enough, causing delays after the NOC is received

Engage your SEWA-registered consultant and electrical contractor early, confirm the approved materials list before procurement, and prepare the full financial picture — load charges, transformer charges, and meter deposit — before the NOC is expected. This preparation makes the difference between a smooth energization and weeks of costly delays.

Disclaimer

Fees and procedures are based on publicly available SEWA information as of 2024-2025 and are subject to change by SEWA decree. Always confirm current fees and requirements directly with SEWA’s Engineering Department or Customer Happiness Centre before commencing any project. This guide is intended for general information purposes only.