Abu Dhabi is ramping up its efforts to introduce power installations to meet the emirate’s rising demand for electricity with another batch of deals to regulate the infrastructure.
Over the past two years, Abu Dhabi has seen an annual increase of about 3 per cent in new customers requesting power connectivity. This has caused a rise in electricity demand to the tune of 17 per cent since 2014, according to a new report from Abu Dhabi's regulatory body, Regulation and Supervision Bureau (RSB).
The emirate has been working on increasing its installed capacity, or the maximum amount of power that can be pumped out at once, by 11 per cent last year. This will continue as projects such as the Sweihan solar power plant come online, which will add another 1.17 gigawatts of power to the grid in 2019.
There are many other facets than just building a power plant, such as switchgear - systems that help protect against short-circuits and overload fault currents - and wiring. To expedite installations, as well as ensuring quality, Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) is tapping the emirate's Quality and Conformity Council (QCC).
ADDC signed two co-operation agreements with QCC to issue conformity certificates, QCC said on Saturday.
Sultan Al Mehairi, QCC director of information service and engagement, said that the agreements help the council verify that the products given a conformity certificate consistently meet the international quality and safety standards. “The agreements will help us streamline the process of evaluating applications submitted by manufacturers, suppliers and personnel," he said.
QCC will ensure that the electrical wiring works for low-voltage switchgear are systemised. The other agreement will set up guidelines for any person installing the wiring to increase efficiency and ensure grid safety.
“Should we detect any violation or breach, the product will be recalled and the conformity certificate automatically revoked,” Mr Al Mehairi said.
ADDC said that it will make it mandatory for all personnel and companies performing internal electrical wiring installations to obtain a conformity certificate issued by the QCC.
“I am confident that the issuance of conformity services for companies and personnel specialised in the installation of internal wiring devices will help regulate and develop the water and electricity sector in the emirate,” said Saeed Al Suwaidi, ADDC managing director.
