Quick Answer
Sanctioned load is the maximum power (in kW) K-Electric has approved your connection to draw. It is printed on every KE bill next to the tariff. Apply at your area Customer Care Centre (IBC)to increase or reduce it — KE re-surveys the site, adjusts the meter, security deposit and fixed charges accordingly.
Typical sanctioned-load ranges
| Connection type | Sanctioned load | Meter | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small residential (A-1) | 1 – 5 kW | Single-phase | 1-bed flat, 1 AC |
| Standard residential | 5 – 15 kW | Three-phase | Family house, 2–3 ACs |
| Large residential / villa | 15 – 25 kW | Three-phase | 4+ ACs, lift, pool pump |
| Small commercial (A-2) | 5 – 25 kW | Three-phase | Shop, office, salon |
| Bulk/industrial (B / E) | > 25 kW (often MW) | HT | Factory, plaza, hospital |
How to check your sanctioned load
- Pull up your latest K-Electric bill (download it from our homepage).
- In the top consumer-detail box, look for "Sanctioned Load" — printed in kW.
- Cross-check against your "Connection Type" field (Single Phase / Three Phase / HT).
- If the bill is unclear, call 118 with your account number.
Applying for a load extension
Planning a new AC, EV charger, water motor or shop fit-out? Apply for a load extension first — overloading your sanctioned cap can trip the meter and trigger penalty billing.
- Calculate new connected load (sum of all appliance ratings × diversity factor 0.7).
- Get a fresh wiring test report from a licensed electrical contractor.
- Submit application form + CNIC + last 3 bills + test report at your area IBC.
- KE technical team re-surveys (5–10 days) and issues a demand notice for additional security deposit.
- Pay the demand notice; KE upgrades meter/cable and updates sanctioned load in 15–30 days.
MDI penalty — what is it?
For commercial/industrial connections, the Maximum Demand Indicator (MDI) records the highest half-hour load drawn each month. If MDI exceeds sanctioned load, KE bills the excess at a premium tariffand may issue a notice to regularise the load. Residential connections rarely incur MDI but can suffer service-fuse trips.
Reducing sanctioned load
Closed a workshop? Removed a heavy motor? Apply for a load reduction to lower your fixed charges and reclaim a portion of the security deposit. The process mirrors load extension but no demand notice is issued.
Sanctioned load FAQs
What is sanctioned load on a K-Electric connection?+
Sanctioned load is the maximum electrical power (in kW) that K-Electric has officially approved your meter to draw at any single moment. It is recorded on your bill under 'Sanctioned Load' and used to size your service cable, meter rating and security deposit.
How do I check my KE sanctioned load?+
Look at the top half of any K-Electric bill — 'Sanctioned Load' is printed alongside Tariff and Connection Type. You can also call 118 with your 13-digit account number.
How do I increase or decrease my KE sanctioned load?+
Submit a load extension/reduction application at your area KE Customer Care Centre with CNIC, last 3 bills and a wiring test report (for extensions). KE re-surveys the site, issues a revised security-deposit notice if increasing load, and updates the meter and tariff.
What happens if I exceed my sanctioned load?+
Drawing above sanctioned load triggers a Maximum Demand Indicator (MDI) penalty for industrial/commercial connections, and can trip your service fuse. Repeated overload may result in detection billing and forced disconnection until load is regularised.
Does sanctioned load affect my KE bill?+
Indirectly. Higher sanctioned load means higher fixed charges (commercial/industrial), a larger security deposit, and may shift you to a different tariff slab. Residential consumers below 5kW typically have minimal fixed-charge impact.
What is the difference between sanctioned load and connected load?+
Sanctioned load is what KE allows you to draw. Connected load is the total nameplate rating of every appliance in your premises (sum of fans, ACs, motors, etc.). Connected load can be higher because not all appliances run simultaneously — but it should never exceed sanctioned load when everything is on.
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