Higher power bills due to Ramadan demand: Dewa

Dubai’s electricity authorities have played down public complaints about the recent sharp rise in water and power bills, saying the increase was a result of higher consumption during the fasting month of Ramadan.

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) said it had not raised tariff but that consumption was much higher during Ramadan, which also came in August, the hottest month of the year. It also said some areas were charged for 35 days instead of one month because of the post-Ramadan Eid holidays.

In an interview with the Sharjah-based Arabic language daily 'Al Khaleej', Dewa's CEO Saeed Al Tayer was asked about complaints that some power and water bills ncreased by as much as 200 per cent recently.

“There could be a rise in the bill value due to some factors, including the excessive consumption during Ramadan, which is normal every year….but this year all Ramadan came in August when temperatures soar,” he said.

“Another factor is that bills in some areas were calculated on the basis of 35 days as metre readings were taken after Eid Al Fitr holidays…we do not do mere estimates for consumption rates unless the property is shut or the metre is out of order……any way, Dewa is willing to receive any remark, query or complaint with full transparency and credibility.”

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