The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has introduced a revised Electrical Installation Permit Framework under the Electricity (Installation Permits) Regulations, 2025, allowing electricians and electrical installation companies to apply for permits valid for one (1), two (2), or three (3) years, replacing the previous one-year validity period.
The new regulations further refine the existing permit classification system by introducing additional classes to reflect specialised skills, evolving technologies, and the growing complexity of electrical installation works within Uganda’s electricity supply industry.
The reforms are aimed at strengthening electrical safety, improving professional standards, and enhancing regulatory oversight of installation works across the country.
Under the framework, permits remain categorised according to voltage levels, technical competence, and specialised fields. However, categories have been expanded and refined, with some classes subdivided to accommodate specialised areas of electrical work.
Company Permit Classes
Electrical installation companies will operate under four permit classes aligned to voltage levels:
- Class XH – All electrical installation works, including high-voltage installations
- Class XM – Installations not exceeding 66kV
- Class XL – Installations not exceeding 6.6kV
- Class XS – Specialised works, including solar installations
Companies applying for installation permits must demonstrate the availability of qualified technical personnel corresponding to the permit class, maintain compliant safety procedures, and fulfil statutory regulatory requirements.
Individual Electrician Permit Classes
Individual electricians are also classified according to the scope and complexity of work they are authorised to undertake:
- Class A – All electrical installation works, including high-voltage systems
- Class B – Installations up to 66kV
- Class C– Installations up to 6.6kV, including domestic, industrial and commercial buildings
- C1 – Domestic and industrial installations of up to 6.6kV
- C2 – Domestic and commercial installations of up to 1kV
- Class D – Residential electrical works and repairs up to 240 volts
- Class Z – Specialised fields including solar systems, hydro installations, generator systems, refrigeration, e-mobility charging systems and battery energy storage systems, and instrumentation and control systems
Each permit category specifies minimum academic qualifications and professional experience requirements, ensuring that electrical installation works are undertaken by competent professionals and in accordance with established safety standards.
Flexible Permit Validity
Under the previous framework, installation permits were issued with a one-year validity period. The new regulations now allow electricians and electrical installation companies to apply for permits valid for either one (1) year, (2) years or three (3) years, depending on the duration applied for and approved by the Authority.
According to Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, Chief Executive Officer of the Electricity Regulatory Authority, the reform is intended to improve efficiency while maintaining strong regulatory oversight.
“Allowing qualified electricians to apply for longer-term permits reduces the administrative burden associated with annual renewals while ensuring that electrical installation works continue to be undertaken by competent and authorised professionals,” she said.
Inspection and Safety Compliance
To strengthen electrical safety, in addition to the inspection and certification conducted before installations are connected to the electricity network, distribution licensees are also required to undertake periodic inspections every ten (10) years for domestic premises and every five (5) years for commercial and industrial premises.
Installations that fail to meet required safety standards may be issued a defective notice or disconnected until corrective measures are undertaken.
Applications for electrical installation permits attract a non-refundable application fee of UGX 20,000 and must be submitted through the ERA website:
https://www.era.go.ug/new-permit/
ERA encourages all electrical installation stakeholders to review the new regulations and ensure full compliance.