Established in January 1992, as per decree issued by HH Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai at that time, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), was formed by merger of Dubai Electric Company (DEC) and Dubai Water Department (DWD).
The DEWA is the sole provider of electricity, water, and sewerage in Dubai. The residents in Dubai are among the biggest consumers of water and electricity in the world. It is said that the urban residents of Dubai have one of the highest carbon footprints per capita in the world.
Average charges / billing system
DEWA estimates an average of 20,000 kilowatt-hours per person annually, and a gargantuan 130 gallons of water consumption a year. DEWA charges residents for water, electricity, sewerage and housing fee (5% applicable only to tenants), with rent divided into twelve instalments every year.
Bills vary depending on the types of accommodations, particularly, if the house includes private swimming pools and gardens. Similarly, bills in the summer months will be higher when the consumption of cooling electronics such as air-conditioner and refrigerator is more.
Houses in Dubai receive Air-conditioning through cold water system piped utility, cost of which, is usually included in electricity bill, while for developments such as the Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, it is charged separately.
When applying to DEWA, tenants will have pay fully refundable deposit, in the range Dh.1500 to Dh.5000, depending on the usage and type of accommodation. The deposit will be reimbursed 30 days from final bill payment. But, the original receipt will have to be safely preserved.
For instance, a new tenant, when signing for DEWA connection will have to deposit nearly Dh.2000 for a villa, Dh.1000 for an apartment, and Dh.110 for the connection.
A four bedroom villa without swimming pool, for instance, will have an average monthly bill of Dh.1500 for utilities, based on average consumption of water, sewerage, electricity and housing fee. DEWA bills are more during summer months, and also they are higher for properties with gardens and private swimming pools, owing to higher consumption of electricity and water.
DEWA charges a standard rate 20 fils per unit for electricity, 3 fils per unit for water, and 0.5fils per unit for sewerage. If you are found using excess water or electricity than normal, DEWA will increase your rates. For instance, if the electricity consumption goes to more than 2000kWh in a month, the rate increases to 24 fils per unit.
DEWA introduced a new tariff structure on 1st March 2008, aimed at encouraging consumers to conserve energy. Effective 1st January 2011, DEWA again increased tariff due to escalating oil and gas prices. From 1st January 2011, the electricity charges have been increased from 20 fils per kilowatt (KWh) to 23 fils per KWh for monthly consumptions below 2000 KWh. For consumptions more than 6000KWh per month, it has been increased from 33 fils to 38 fils per KWh.
Further, in accordance with the decision by Supreme Energy Council in Dubai, for adjusting water and electricity tariff for all DEWA customers, effective 1st January 2011, a fuel surcharge has been included for water and electricity consumptions. The surcharge will vary depending on the rate of increase or decrease of actual fuel cost, supplied to DEWA generation plants. The fuel surcharge will be indicated separately in the monthly bill and be charged by Fils/Kwh for electricity and and Fils/IG for water.
For all details regarding latest tariff by DEWA, visit the page https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/consumer/billing/tariff-calculator
Methods of payment of utility bills
The Dubai Government and private utility companies have established various electronic methods for payment of bills. Electronic payments can be made online through the eGovernment services by Dubai Government such as ePay for various services.
Another method of payment is mPay (mobile payment) channel by Dubai eGovernment for government payment of fees in Dubai. However, to use mPay service, you have to register on the website https://mpay.dubai.ae to activate the service.
Another method of payment is by using credit cards (VISA or Master Card) through DEWA’s website (www.dewa.gov.ae) without any extra charges. Another method of payment is by using DEWA customer service centres.
Payments can also be made at Etisalat Public Payment Machines in Dubai, or at Petrol Stations (ENOC/EPPCO), Post offices, ATM machines of certain banks, or through Direct Debit to bank account. However, all customer service centres of DEWA are closed on Fridays.
For payments made through the internet, customers get email notification with copy of receipt. For all other channels of payment, ensure that a receipt is obtained from that channel.
In case of any emergency, call on 991 or 04-601-9999 or Contact:
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority
P.Box 564
Dubai, UAE
