DEWA How Dubai Residents Are Slashing Their Bills in 2025

REAL ESTATE4 weeks ago

Dubai residents are constantly seeking ways to manage their living expenses, especially when it comes to utility bills. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) provides essential services, but many households and businesses report rising monthly charges. In this article, we explore how to reduce DEWA bills by using practical energy-saving habits, new technologies, and sustainable solutions without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Whether you’re a homeowner, tenant, or business owner, these tips are designed to be simple, affordable, and effective.

Understanding Your DEWA Bill

Before cutting your costs, it’s important to know what you’re paying for. A typical DEWA bill includes:

Electricity consumption (in kWh)
Water consumption (in gallons)
Sewerage fees
Fuel surcharge
Municipality fees (5% of your monthly rent)

With Dubai’s warm climate and growing population, air conditioning and water use make up the majority of utility costs, especially during the summer months.

1. Switch to LED Lighting

Traditional incandescent bulbs use more power and produce extra heat. Switching to LED bulbs can reduce your electricity usage by up to 80%. LEDs also last longer, saving money on replacements.

Tip: Use smart bulbs or timers to automatically turn off lights when not needed.

2. Set Your AC to the Right Temperature

Air conditioning is the largest electricity expense in most Dubai homes. DEWA recommends keeping your AC thermostat set to 24°C (75°F) for optimal efficiency.

Tip: Invest in a smart thermostat that learns your habits and automatically adjusts temperature settings when you’re not home.

3. Seal Air Leaks and Use Curtains

Unsealed windows and doors let cool air escape, causing the AC to work harder. Use weather strips and heavy curtains to keep the heat out and the cool air in.

Bonus: Reflective or thermal curtains can reduce indoor temperatures by 2–3°C.

4. Use Water-Saving Fixtures

Install water-saving faucets, dual-flush toilets, and low-flow showerheads. These can reduce your household water use by up to 40%.

Did you know? DEWA offers water-saving kits at subsidized rates through local hardware stores and their website.

5. Turn Off Unused Appliances

Even when turned off, many electronics (TVs, chargers, microwave ovens) still draw power if plugged in. These are called phantom loads.

Solution: Use a smart power strip or unplug devices when not in use.

6. Install Solar Panels

DEWA’s Shams Dubai Initiative allows you to install rooftop solar panels and connect them to DEWA’s grid. Excess electricity generated is subtracted from your bill through a process called net metering.

Long-term benefit: Though the upfront cost is high, many homes can save up to 30–50% on electricity over the years.

7. Use the DEWA Smart App

DEWA’s official app gives you real-time access to your electricity and water consumption. You can track daily or hourly usage and receive alerts if you’re consuming more than usual.

Features include:

Consumption comparison from previous months
Notifications for leaks or abnormal usage
Bill payment and account management

8. Maintain AC and Appliances Regularly

Dirty AC filters and poorly maintained appliances consume more power. Clean or replace your AC filters every 2–4 weeks during summer.

Also: Schedule yearly servicing for your air conditioning and water heaters to keep them energy-efficient.

9. Shift Usage to Non-Peak Hours

Electricity rates are typically higher during peak hours (2 PM – 10 PM). Try running your dishwasher, washing machine, or other high-power devices during off-peak hours.

Pro tip: Some appliances now have built-in timers you can set to start later in the day.

10. Educate Your Family or Roommates

Awareness goes a long way. Make sure everyone in your household understands the importance of saving energy and water. Involve kids by making it a fun challenge to reduce the monthly bill.

DEWA Incentives and Programs to Save More

DEWA supports energy conservation through multiple programs:

Green Charger: For electric vehicles, offering free charging at DEWA stations.
Smart Living Dashboard: Helps residents monitor usage in real time.
High Water Usage Alert: Notifies customers of potential internal leaks.

By registering for these services, customers gain greater control over their usage and spending.

Conclusion

Reducing your DEWA bill doesn’t require a complete lifestyle change just a series of small, thoughtful steps. Whether it’s setting your AC a few degrees higher, fixing a dripping faucet, or investing in solar energy, each action contributes to long-term savings and a more sustainable future.

With Dubai’s focus on becoming one of the world’s smartest and greenest cities, there’s never been a better time to reduce your energy footprint while keeping your wallet happy.