Utility bills are one of the major living expenses in Dubai. However, it is possible to reduce these expenses by simply following energy-consumption tips. Yes, you can minimize your energy consumption by taking steps like using thermostats or buying energy-efficient electrical appliances.
We have prepared a guide on how to reduce DEWA bills in Dubai. It includes different strategies that you can use to minimize your energy consumption and reduce DEWA bills.
How to Reduce DEWA Bills in Dubai—Actionable Tips for Users
1. Use DEWA App
The first step to lowering your DEWA bill is to keep an eye on your usage. You can easily do this with the DEWA smart app and its ‘Smart Living’ feature. This tool is part of DEWA’s goal to become net zero by 2050.
Consumption Assessment Tool
All DEWA customers can use the app to access the ‘Consumption Assessment Tool.’ This tool creates a report based on your past usage. It also offers suggestions for improvement by comparing your usage to similar homes.
Notification for Leaks
Another great feature of the DEWA app is that it alerts you if there is a water leak. Major leaks can go unnoticed for a long time, which can lead to surprising bills from DEWA.
Check Daily Usage
One of the best features of the app is that you can view your daily usage if you have a smart meter. This real-time data is very helpful. By checking your usage every day, you can become more aware of your habits.
You do not have to wait for your monthly bill to see if you have made changes. You can check your electricity usage at any time.
2. Effectively Manage Your Electricity Slab
After the decision by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, DEWA charges a fuel surcharge and a slab tariff for electricity and water use. The fuel surcharge is based on changes in fuel prices that DEWA uses to generate power.
The slab tariff structure means that prices increase as your consumption rises. For example, the first 2,000 units of usage are at least 20% cheaper than the next 2,000 units. Let’s have a look at the breakdown of the slabs.
In the table above, the lowest tariff slab is 65% cheaper than the highest. By managing your usage and staying within the lower slabs, you can save a lot on your DEWA bill.
Set a goal to move down to one slab lower than your current level by next month. When you have a specific goal, it helps you focus your efforts in a better way.
Alternatively, you can try completely eliminating your electricity bill. You can do this by taking advantage of Dubai’s abundant sunlight and switching to solar power.
3. Program Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat helps manage your home’s temperature. When the room reaches a specific temperature, the thermostat automatically turns off the cooling system. This can help lower your DEWA bill. You can also install fans in the room as they help circulate cool air, which can quickly reduce the temperature.
4. Check for Water Leaks
Water leakage often leads to significant water loss in homes. A simple way to check for leaks is to use food coloring. You have to add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank and wait for a few minutes. If you see the color in the bowl, it means there is a leak.
5. Use Your AC Efficiently
Air conditioning is crucial in Dubai’s hot climate, but it significantly increases electricity bills. By using your A/C more carefully, you could reduce your DEWA bill by up to a third.
Keep your thermostat set at a steady 24°C during the summer. This temperature is comfortable and energy-efficient. Make sure your air conditioner is in automatic mode. This setting allows the A/C to turn off and on at intervals. It helps maintain a steady temperature without using too much energy.
Seal any gap around doors and windows with caulk and weather stripping. This prevents cool air from escaping and hot air from entering your home.
If your A/C unit is not functioning properly, it may not cool effectively and could waste electricity. Regularly replace the air filters and have your unit serviced to keep it efficient.
Moreover, keep your curtains and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day. This simple step can help lower your cooling costs.
Also, read how to pay DEWA bills in Dubai.
6. Try Air-Drying Clothing
Air-drying your clothes is an effective way to save money on your utility bills. Line drying uses less energy, which leads to lower costs. It also helps conserve energy and can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
To line-dry your clothes, follow these steps:
- Choose the Right Equipment: Use vinyl-coated cording for the best results. Avoid using old ropes, as they can rot in the sun and shed fibers onto your clothes.
- Prepare Your Laundry: Before hanging your clothes on the line, wipe them with a towel. Shake each item to remove wrinkles and bunching.
- Use Strong Pins: Use large wooden clothespins to secure heavier items. This will keep them in place while they dry.
7. Use Lights Wisely
Wasting energy with lights can add up quickly by the end of the month. While individual lights use a small amount of energy, having many of them can lead to higher costs.
Always turn off lights when you leave a room. Use task lighting to brighten specific areas instead of lighting the whole room.
Consider replacing incandescent bulbs with fluorescent lamps or LED lights. These options are more energy-efficient and last longer.
What’s more, dust and dirt can lower the brightness of your lights. Regularly clean the light bulbs and fixtures to keep them working efficiently.
8. Manage Water Consumption Effectively
Effectively managing your water consumption will lead to reduced DEWA bills. Here are the steps you can take.
Install Water-Saving Showers
Many companies are now making shower heads designed to use less water. These shower heads limit the flow to about three gallons per use.
Another way of saving water is to turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth or shave. This simple action can save you about 100 gallons of water each week.
Manage Water Slab
DEWA uses a slab tariff system for water consumption, similar to its electricity tariffs. Under this system, the first 6,000 gallons of water used in a month are charged at the lowest rate.
If you go over this limit and use more water, the additional gallons will be billed at a higher rate. This system encourages conservation by discouraging excessive water use.
Use Kitchen Water Wisely
You can optimize water usage in the kitchen with some simple adjustments. These changes can greatly help with overall water conservation.
When washing dishes by hand, use a basin instead of letting the water run. If you use a dishwasher, run it only when it is fully loaded for maximum efficiency.
Avoid running the tap continuously while washing fruits or vegetables. Instead, fill a basin with water for rinsing.
Be Mindful of Water Usage in Bathrooms
In most homes, the bathroom is where most of the water is used. You can start saving water by simply turning off the tap when you don’t need it. Small changes can lead to big savings.
- Keep your showers short. Consider installing low-flow showerheads to reduce water usage further.
- Upgrade to dual-flush toilets. They use less water for liquid waste and more for solid waste, which can significantly lower water consumption.
- Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save about 3 gallons of water. You can save even more, around 4 gallons, by filling a cup to rinse your mouth instead.
- A dripping faucet leads to a lot of water leakage. Make sure all taps and pipes are leak-free.
- Consider installing automatic taps that turn off when there’s nothing underneath them.
Do Your Laundry Carefully
Dryers and washing machines also use a lot of energy. Using them every day can be expensive. You can reduce the frequency of laundry by waiting until you have a full load. Keep these tips in mind:
- When buying a dryer, choose one with a moisture sensor. This feature will automatically shut off the machine when your clothes are dry.
- Only operate the washing machine with full loads and set the water level according to the size of the load.
Save Water When Landscaping
Overwatering is a common problem. You can save a significant amount of water by reducing the frequency of water and avoiding wasteful sprinklers.
Planting trees can provide natural shade for your home. This can help reduce the need for air conditioning.
9. Use Energy-efficient Appliances
Modern electronic appliances make our lives easier, but they can use a lot of energy if we are not careful.
When you buy new appliances, go for energy-efficient models that use less power. Go for washing machines, dishwashers, and other devices that have high energy and water efficiency ratings.
Many electronics still consume power even when they are turned off. To save energy, unplug devices like chargers, computers, and entertainment systems when they’re not in use.
When doing laundry, avoid using the hot water setting. Modern detergents clean effectively with room-temperature water.
Be mindful of using high-wattage appliances. Try to use your washer, dryer, freezer, oven, air fryer, hair dryer, toaster, and electric kettle less often.
Also, try to limit the habit of checking the refrigerator unnecessarily. Do not leave the door open for long periods.
10. Consume Carefully During Peak Hours
DEWA’s peak load hours start from 12 PM to 6 PM, particularly during the summer months from June to September. Here are some tips to help reduce utility consumption during these times.
- Limit the use of electronic devices during peak hours.
- Try to finish your daily chores before or after peak hours. This can help lighten the load during those critical times.
- Air conditioning systems use a significant amount of electricity. To minimize usage, consider turning off the AC when you leave home and avoid running it in empty rooms.
- During summer peak hours, many electrical appliances may malfunction due to high demand or extreme temperatures. It is important to monitor your devices closely. If you notice any unusual smells or smoke coming from AC vents or switches, contact DEWA or call 991 immediately.
- Complete outdoor tasks that require electricity outside of peak hours. This can lead to savings on your electricity bill at home.
11. Update DEWA Housing Fees
Dubai Municipality imposes a housing fee of 5% based on the rental value of your property. If the rental value of your property has decreased, it is important to update this information. Doing so could lead to a reduction in your DEWA bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is DEWA per unit charges?
The DEWA electricity tariffs for residential and commercial properties are structured as follows:
- For usage between 0 and 2000 kWh, the rate is 23 fils per kWh.
- For usage from 2001 to 4000 kWh, the rate increases to 28 fils per kWh.
- For usage between 4001 and 6000 kWh, the charge is 32 fils per kWh.
How much is DEWA cancellation fee?
DEWA cancellation charges are as follows:
- Large meters: 300 AED
- Small meter: 100 AED
What are DEWA peak hours?
DEWA peak hours are between 14 PM to 6 PM, especially during peak summer months (June-September).
How to cut DEWA connection?
Go to the official DEWA website and log in using your DEWA User ID or UAE Pass. Click on Consumer, then select Deactivation of Electricity/Water (Move-out).
Next, enter your 10-digit DEWA contract account number. Make sure to enter the account number for the specific service you want to deactivate, especially if you have more than one account.
Summing it up
Utility bills in Dubai can be high, but there are ways to lower them by using utilities smartly. For example, you can start by using the DEWA app to monitor your electricity and water usage.
Consider setting a goal to reduce your consumption to stay within lower tariff slabs. Using energy-efficient appliances and programming your thermostat can also help cut costs. Finally, check for leaks and use water wisely to decrease your DEWA bills further.
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