DUBAI: Utility bills are an unavoidable part of modern life, but what if you could manage and reduce your electricity and water charges?
With the growing adoption of smart technologies, Dubai residents can now take control of their utility consumption without hiring professionals. Thanks to the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), a range of free digital tools are available to monitor usage, detect issues, and provide tailored recommendations for savings.
These services are part of DEWA’s ‘Smart Living’ initiative, aimed at creating a more sustainable and efficient approach to energy and water consumption. Available through both the DEWA website and mobile app, these tools are essential for managing costs, identifying inefficiencies, and preventing unwanted surprises on your monthly bills.
Away Mode: Track usage while on holiday
Dubai residents planning a vacation or extended holiday often return to find their utility bills are unexpectedly high. The reason? Small appliances, faulty pipes, or air conditioning systems running when they shouldn't. DEWA’s Away Mode solves this issue by allowing users to monitor their home’s electricity and water consumption while they’re away.
This feature automatically sends you updates about any unusual consumption patterns, which might indicate a leak or an appliance running longer than necessary. By setting the service up before leaving, users can receive daily or weekly reports via email. The service is especially useful for those with smart meters, as it allows precise tracking.
Activating Away Mode is simple: once you’ve installed a smart meter, you can use your DEWA account on the website or app to enable this feature. Users can also select the duration of the service and adjust the frequency of updates to fit their needs. This way, you can rest assured that your bills won’t skyrocket while you’re away.
The Consumption Assessment Tool
For residents who’ve noticed a sudden spike in their electricity bills, the Consumption Assessment Tool can offer much-needed clarity. Available on DEWA’s digital platforms, this tool evaluates your household’s energy consumption patterns and suggests ways to reduce waste.
By answering a detailed questionnaire about your household and appliances, DEWA provides a breakdown of which areas of your home are consuming the most energy. For example, if you have a rooftop in your villa, DEWA might recommend installing solar panels to offset high electricity usage. Alternatively, if your lighting choices are inefficient, you’ll be given advice on more sustainable options, such as LED lights.
To access this tool, simply visit the DEWA website or app, sign in with your UAE Pass or DEWA ID, and start the assessment. The platform adapts its questions based on your responses, making the process interactive and efficient. Once completed, you’ll receive a report that pinpoints the areas where you can cut down on consumption. This analysis empowers you to make informed decisions and implement energy-saving measures.
High Water Usage Alert
A sudden increase in water consumption can be a sign of an underlying problem, such as a leaking pipe or an inefficient appliance. DEWA’s High Water Usage Alert system helps residents detect such issues before they lead to costly repairs. This service sends out notifications if your water meter detects abnormal consumption over a 48-hour period compared to your typical usage.
The alert system automatically triggers an email, SMS, or push notification through the DEWA app, providing immediate feedback on high usage. By comparing your current consumption with the average over the last three months, the system helps identify leaks early, allowing you to take action before your water bill spirals out of control.
Keeping your contact details up to date with DEWA ensures that you never miss an alert, helping you manage your water consumption more effectively. This feature is invaluable for residents who may not have noticed a hidden leak, preventing unnecessary water waste and high bills.
Making the most of DEWA’s smart tools
To get the most out of DEWA’s free digital services, it’s important to stay proactive in managing your utility consumption. Keep your contact details up to date with DEWA to ensure you receive timely alerts and updates. Monitor your usage regularly through the app or website to identify trends and track improvements. For example, after completing the Consumption Assessment Tool, check in periodically to see if your changes are making a difference.