Ruler of Dubai issues Law to protect electricity grid

In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has issued Law No. 06 of 2015 on the protection of the electricity grid and public water system in the Emirate of Dubai.

Applicable in all districts within the Emirate of Dubai, including the special development zones, free zones and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the new Law aims to protect the electricity and water infrastructure and maintain its availability to respond to growing demand. Further, the new Law aims to assure quality of the services provided by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, DEWA.

The Law prescribed the responsibilities delegated to DEWA to implement the rules and regulation pertaining to the Law. These responsibilities and authorities include imposing the regulations required to protect Dubai's electricity grid and public water system and granting permissions according to terms and conditions prescribed in this Law and any other applicable regulations.

The Law also authorised DEWA to establish a monitoring and control system and define the policies and procedures governing the system. The Law also delegates DEWA to receive and investigate reports about violations against Dubai's electricity grid and public water system and take any required measures in coordination with the concerned authorities. Additionally, the Law authorised DEWA to assess and appraise the value of any damage occurring due to any violation against the electricity grid and public water system.

The Law also defined the obligations of the permit holders, developers, owners and tenants in DEWA coverage areas.

Article 08 of Law defined the acts that are considered violation against the electricity grid, public water system and any other premises owned or operated by DEWA. The Law prescribed the penalties and fines relevant to each violation.

The Law authorised the DEWA CEO to assign DEWA employees as judicial officers, and they may investigate, draft and issue records of evidence reports in collaboration with the police.

This Law annuls Law No. 02 of 1994 concerning protection of general network of electricity and water services; further the Law annuls any other legislation that contradict its articles. Law No. 06 of 2015 is to be published in the Official Gazette and considered valid from the date of publication.