Complete Guide: How to Request an Electrical Load Increase with Air-e and Afinia.

Avoid fines and legalize your company's or project's power capacity.

Why is the breaker tripping? Has your company grown, did you buy new machinery, or did you install more air conditioners, and now the breakers trip constantly? It's not just a nuisance; it's a warning sign. Your electrical installation is crying out for more power.

On the Caribbean Coast, whether your operator is Air-e (Atlántico, Magdalena, Guajira) or Afinia (Bolívar, Cesar, Córdoba, Sucre), the technical procedure is rigorous. Connecting unauthorizedly or simply swapping the breaker for a larger one without authorization is not only illegal and subject to heavy fines, but it also puts your assets at risk of fire.

At Gestiones Eléctricas, we explain the technical and legal step-by-step process to request a successful load increase.

1. What Exactly is a Load Increase?

It is the formal process by which you request the Grid Operator (OR) to supply you with more energy than initially contracted. This usually involves physical changes:

• Service connection upgrade (thicker cables).
• Meter replacement.
• For industrial cases, installation of an owned transformer.

2. Fundamental Requirements (What they will ask for, no matter what)

Both Air-e and Afinia are governed by national regulations (RETIE and CREG), so the basic documents are similar:

• Service Feasibility: Before buying materials, you must ask the operator if the grid in your street supports the new load.
• Certificate of Title and Registration: No older than 30 days.
• Copy of the ID of the owner or Legal Representative.
• Utility bill paid up to date.
• Engineer's Approval: This is where many get stuck. You need an electrical design signed by a registered engineer that justifies the new load (Load Chart and Calculation Reports).

3. The Process with Air-e (Atlántico, Magdalena, Guajira)

Air-e has digitized much of its process through its virtual office, but the technical requirements remain high.

1. File the Feasibility Request Form.
2. Once feasibility is approved, the Electrical Project (Single-line diagrams and calculation reports) is submitted.
3. If the load is substantial, they will require full RETIE certification of the internal upgrades.

4. The Process with Afinia (Bolívar, Cesar, Córdoba, Sucre)

Afinia usually requires a more in-person approach or management through its customer service channels for builders.

The technical inspection visit is the final filter: if what is built does not match the filed diagram, they reject the connection.

You must fill out the "New services or modification request" form.

It is vital to specify if the increase involves switching from a single-phase to a three-phase system (common in businesses and SMEs).

5. Error Number 1: "Doing it Backwards"

Many customers buy cables and materials first, and then try to legalize. Don't do it. If the operator denies feasibility or requires a specific type of cable (e.g., halogen-free or a different gauge) and you have already purchased another, you will lose your investment.

The correct path is:

1. Consulting and Engineering (Design).
2. Grid Operator's Approval.
3. Material Purchase and Work Execution.
4. Certification and Connection.

Does it seem complicated? We do it for you.

A load increase is not just "filling out a form." It requires regulation calculations, selection of protections, and strict compliance with RETIE. A poorly presented folder can mean months of delay for your project.

At Gestiones Eléctricas, we are not just installers; we are an engineering firm.

• ⚡ We design and sign your project before the operator.
• 🛠️ We supply certified materials (cables, panels, transformers).
• ✅ We execute the physical work and manage the RETIE certification.

Need more power in Barranquilla or the Coast? Do not risk your infrastructure.