Al-Mikhaeeem Approves New Code for Water Heaters.. Mandatory 60% Savings for Non-Residential Buildings

The Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaim, issued a ministerial decision regarding the adoption of the technical code for water heaters in buildings. The decision, published in the Official Gazette “Kuwait Al-Yawm” under No. (131) of 2026, stipulates the following:

Article One: The technical code for water heaters in buildings, which includes the minimum requirements for the design and installation of water heating systems in buildings in the State of Kuwait, is hereby adopted.

Article Two: The aforementioned technical code shall apply to water heating systems in all buildings (residential and non-residential) in the State. Its scope of application includes the following:

1. The specified technical requirements in the code shall be met to achieve optimal use by defining the rate of hot water consumption, for all new buildings, as well as for new expansions of existing buildings that require additional electrical load.

2. Non-residential buildings shall comply with the minimum energy efficiency requirements for the design and installation of water heating systems, and shall install a system that achieves savings of no less than 60% of the total hot water heating demand.

3. Residential buildings shall have the freedom to choose any water heating system; however, compliance with the energy efficiency requirements for the design and installation of water heating systems set forth in this code becomes mandatory when selecting high-efficiency water heating systems, such as solar water heating systems, heat pump water heating systems, and similar systems.

4. All systems, equipment, and products covered by this code shall comply with Kuwait Standard 2025:1903 (KWS), issued by the Public Authority for Industry (PAI), or its latest revision.

Article Three: This decision shall take effect one year from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Any prior decisions conflicting with this decision are hereby repealed. Relevant authorities are tasked with implementing the decision and notifying those concerned.