Dubai: New to Abu Dhabi and setting up your home? If you’ve already finalised the apartment or villa you want to move into, the next step would be to apply for the electricity and water connection.

Here is a detailed breakdown of all you need to know and do.

Applying for a connection

Electricity and water services in Abu Dhabi are provided by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), so to have an active water and electricity connection you need to have a TAQA Distribution account.

However, once you register your tenancy contract in the emirate, you will receive a TAQA Distribution account number, as the tenancy system (Tawtheeq) is linked with the TAQA Distribution system.

The same is true for residents in the Abu Dhabi Global Market free zone, located in Al Maryah Island. In 2025, TAQA Distribution linked its systems to the ADGM Registration Authority, so your electricity and water accounts will now be set up for you, once TAQA Distribution receives your details. This means you don’t need to complete a separate move-in application.

Activate your account

All you need to do is visit the TAQA Distribution webpage here: https://www.addc.ae/en-us/residential/pages/ActivationResidential.aspx and activate your account.

The system also allows you to activate your account using your Emirates ID number, in case you can’t find your account number.

Once you enter your account or Emirates ID number, the system will send you a pin code to your registered mobile number. Enter the pin code in order to activate your account.

My area of residence does not fall under Tawtheeq or ADGM

If you’ve recently purchased your property, or you are a tenant who lives outside of the area covered by Tawtheeq or ADGM, you will need to complete a move-in application to begin receiving water and electricity.

Required documents

In order to file the online request, you will need digital copies of the following documents:

For tenants

  • Passport
  • Emirates ID
  • Tenancy Contract
  • Previous Account Closing Letter for the property you are moving into.

What is an Account Closing Letter?

According to TAQA Distribution, the Account Closing Letter was previously known as a Clearance Certificate. It is issued when the previous TAQA Distribution account for your property was closed. To obtain a copy, you can either contact the last occupant of the property or the landlord.

For owners

  • Passport
  • Emirates ID
  • Copy of the Premise ownership deed or the site plan, valid and issued from AD Municipality
  • Previous Account Closing Letter for the property you are moving into

To apply online, complete the form here: https://www.addc.ae/en-us/residential/pages/moveinresidential.aspx

You will be asked to upload your documents, so ensure you have the copies ready before you start filing the request.

If you need help at any stage, you can call customer support on 800 2332.

What are the set-up charges?

A security deposit of Dh1,000 (regardless of the type of residential unit) needs to be paid with the first bill.