Transferring the Electricity Meter After Buying a Resale Apartment in Egypt

Masari Team

You bought a resale apartment and got the keys, but the electricity meter is still in the seller's name and may carry unpaid bills. It is one of the most common surprises for buyers in Egypt. The fix is to treat utilities as part of the purchase: check the account before signing, add a clear clause to the contract, and transfer the meter into your name right after handover. Here is how meter transfer works, based on guidance from the electricity regulator and distribution companies as reported in the press.

Why the meter matters before you buy

Arrears on the account can hold up a transfer, and a meter left in the seller's name ties any dispute to someone else. The process also needs a recent receipt and the original subscriber or their agent, which is harder to arrange once you lose touch with the seller.

El Watan reported a distribution company office stating that the meter belongs to the electricity company and is tied to the unit, not the person. The fee paid at contracting covers connection, not the meter itself, so a seller or former tenant may not remove it.

Documents for transferring an electricity meter

  • Copy of the new subscriber's national ID.
  • Copy of the previous subscriber's ID.
  • Copy of the ownership or lease contract.
  • The latest electricity receipt.
  • A general power of attorney and the agent's ID if the seller cannot attend.

Originals are shown for inspection. If the seller has died, heirs' consent and an inheritance certificate are required. Some reports mention extra requirements such as proof of no arrears or a notarised contract, so confirm the current list with your local distribution company.

Step by step

  1. Visit the electricity distribution branch covering the property during working hours.
  2. Submit the documents and fill in the meter transfer form.
  3. Pay the applicable fee (the sources give no amount, so ask at the branch).
  4. The company reviews the account and registers you as the new subscriber.
  5. Keep the receipt and any proof of transfer.

Who pays old arrears?

El Watan's report says the seller must settle all dues up to the sale date, after which consumption becomes the new owner's responsibility. However, regulator guidance reported elsewhere says the new subscriber signs an undertaking to settle any prior dues. In practice, you could end up paying for past consumption if you do not check first. So:

  • Ask for the latest paid receipt and check the account status before signing.
  • Record meter readings on handover day in a signed handover report.
  • Add a clause making the seller liable for all utility dues until handover.
  • Consider holding back a small part of the price until the transfer is complete, with your lawyer's advice.

Water, gas and other utilities

Our sources did not detail water or gas transfers, but the same logic applies: get the last paid bills, record readings at handover and ask the local water and gas companies what they need. In New Damietta, also ask about maintenance fees and any owners' association.

Utilities checklist

  1. Latest paid electricity receipt and subscriber name.
  2. Latest paid water and gas bills.
  3. Handover report with dated meter readings.
  4. Contract clause on dues until handover.
  5. Seller commitment to attend or sign a power of attorney.
  6. File the transfer within days of handover.

FAQ

Does the seller need to attend?

The original subscriber or an agent with a general power of attorney must be involved, so agree on this before the final payment.

Can the seller take the meter?

No. It belongs to the distribution company and stays with the unit.

How much is the transfer fee?

The sources give no figure and fees can change, so ask the branch directly.

Sources

On Masari you can compare unit prices, floor plans and payment plans before contacting any seller.