New Water Heating Code: Non-Residential Buildings Must Save 60% From November 2027

The Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy has adopted a technical code for water heating systems in buildings. Ministerial Decision No. 131 of 2026, together with the full code, appears in Kuwait Al-Youm Issue 1815, pages 53 to 67, dated Sunday 1 November 2026. The decision was signed on 28 July 2026 and, under its Article 3, takes effect one year after publication, so on or about 1 November 2027.

The code sets minimum design and installation rules for water heaters. Under Article 2, it applies in full to new buildings and to new extensions of existing buildings that need additional electrical load.

The headline rule is for non-residential buildings (offices, shops, malls, hotels, banks, schools, clinics, government buildings and mixed-use projects). They must install a system that saves at least 60% of the building's total water heating demand. In practice that means solar water heaters, heat pumps, hybrid systems or heat recovery from air-conditioning, with ordinary electric heaters kept mainly as backup.

Residential buildings may still choose any system. Once an owner opts for a high-efficiency system such as solar or a heat pump, the code's efficiency rules become mandatory, and the code recommends a 40% saving. All equipment must meet Kuwaiti Standard KWS 1903:2025 issued by the Public Authority for Industry. The code also requires a dedicated sustainable system covering at least 50% of the energy used to heat swimming pools, and lets the Ministry carry out site audits and factory visits.

WEFAQ's view: developers and owners with projects that will reach design approval after November 2027 should brief their consultants now, because the 60% target affects roof space, plant rooms and budgets.

Source: Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Decision No. 131 of 2026 and the attached Water Heating Systems Code for Buildings; Kuwait Al-Youm Issue 1815, pages 53 to 67, 1 November 2026.

This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your circumstances, please contact WEFAQ Law Firm.