A method and apparatus for controlling thermal energy generation in a User Equipment (UE) operating in a radio telecommunication network. The thermal energy generation is directly proportional to a transmit power level in the UE, and a Node B allocates transmit power levels to a plurality of UEs through scheduling grants. Upon request by the UE, the Node B allocates a dedicated scheduling grant to the UE authorizing a higher transmit power. If the UE subsequently overheats, it sends a power reduction request to the Node B. Upon approval, all or part of the dedicated grant is removed, and the UE transmits at a lower power level to reduce thermal generation. The Node B retains control of the grant and may reallocate it to a common scheduling grant or may allocate another dedicated grant to a different UE.