Anyone relocating to Dubai for residence and employment encounters the need to establish connections with essential utilities. These matters are overseen by DEWA, the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, the entity responsible for managing the provision of critical resources to residences, including water, electricity, and sewage services. In this article, we will provide insights into DEWA's procedures, from subscribing to their services to canceling them temporarily should the need arise.
What Is DEWA?
The Dubai Electricity & Water Authority was established in 1992. Prior to its formation, two separate organizations were tasked with supplying essential resources. Throughout its operational history, DEWA has emerged as one of the world's premier utility providers. In the first half of 2021 alone, the company earned 24 prestigious awards, including international accolades.
The organization has been at the forefront of adopting advanced technologies and exclusively employing green energy sources. One of DEWA's flagship initiatives is a massive solar energy park projected to become the world's largest by 2030. This complex is expected to substantially mitigate harmful emissions into the atmosphere. DEWA's experts anticipate that it will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 6.5 million tons annually.
What Services DEWA Offers
DEWA's primary focus revolves around supplying electricity and water to government entities, businesses, and the general public. Currently, the company serves a client base of over a million individuals and organizations. Here's a detailed breakdown of the company's services:
- Initiating Utility Services for New Tenants: When new tenants move in, property owners or tenants are required to make an advance payment to DEWA. Once the funds are deposited, utility connections will be established within 15 hours. In the event of any delay, tenants can contact the customer service hotline for assistance.
- Reconnection of Utilities for Relocating Residents: In cases where residents relocate within Dubai, they must settle any outstanding utility bills and then request the reactivation of utilities at their new address.
- Disconnection of Utilities for Departing Clients: For clients leaving the country or selling their property, it is necessary to settle all outstanding utility debts and bills before requesting a disconnection of services. Once the settlement is complete, clients can initiate a move-out request.
- Payment Management and Convenience: DEWA is responsible for overseeing the payment of services and ensuring a seamless process for bill payments. Additionally, the company has the capability to facilitate refunds and issue certificates confirming the settlement of outstanding debts. These certificates remain valid for a period of thirty days.
DEWA also offers supplementary services, including the provision of temporary electricity supply for pavilions during wedding ceremonies and mourning ceremonies. For wedding ceremonies, the maximum service duration is seven days, while for mourning ceremonies, it is limited to three days. This service is exclusively available to local citizens. To utilize this service, it is necessary to submit a request several days in advance. It's important to note that in the event of a sudden wedding cancellation, DEWA's policy does not allow for refunds.
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How Utilities Are Connected
If you are in the process of renting a residence, you can promptly activate your utilities upon moving in, thanks to DEWA's streamlined procedure. In accordance with local regulations, all lease agreements are registered with the EJARI system. Consequently, the tenant's information is automatically forwarded to the Authority, granting them access to their profile on DEWA's website. Simultaneously, tenants receive a text message on their mobile phone containing comprehensive instructions on how to make the security deposit payment to initiate utility connections.
How to Pay for DEWA Services
There are several methods available for making payments and utilizing utilities. The most convenient option is to conduct transactions through your DEWA website profile. However, it's important to note that payments can only be made using a card issued by a bank in the Persian Gulf countries. In addition to the website, DEWA also offers a smartphone application, which follows a similar process for transferring funds.
If this option doesn't suit your needs, you can make payments through various ATMs or bank branches, such as Etisalat or Emirates NBD ATMs. DEWA's website provides a list of financial institutions that accept utility payments for your convenience.
Many tenants opt for the convenience of e-wallets for their payments. This method offers quick transaction processing and the flexibility to transfer money in nearly any currency. DEWA accepts payments through two popular online payment services: EasyPay and Nogodi.
How Much Connecting Utilities Costs
Once the new tenant or property owner is registered in the DEWA system, they must settle all the required fees, which can be categorized into two groups: non-refundable and security (refundable) payments. In the case of non-refundable payments, you will be required to pay the following amounts to activate your utilities:
- 100 AED for smaller residences,
- 300 AED for large properties,
- 30 AED – earmarked fees for innovation development and system maintenance.
Another deposit option is the security deposit. New tenants are required to pay a security deposit of 2,000 AED for an apartment and 4,000 AED for a villa. This deposit is refundable and will be returned when the tenant moves out.
To expedite the process of collecting your money, it's advisable to utilize the Western Union international payment system. Here's how it works: request a refund through the DEWA website, choose a payment method, wait for the system to confirm your request, and then collect your security deposit at any bank branch. Western Union collaborates with thousands of financial organizations worldwide, so you don't need to be in the UAE to access your refund.
Photo: pressfoto (Freepik)
How to Check Your DEWA Account
You can monitor your utility payment status on DEWA’s website. Here is how you do it:
- Go to the homepage and click on Consumer.
- Go to Bill Payment and click on the View Bill option. You need to enter your 10-digit DEWA account number and the 9-digit number of the property.
- Once you’ve entered the system, you will see the amount payable on your screen.
Another method to check your utilities account balance is through the EasyPay payment system. To access this service, simply enter your DEWA ID or log in using your UAE Pass.
Understanding Your DEWA Bill
Your DEWA bill provides a detailed breakdown of your water and electricity consumption. Additionally, it includes real estate fees assessed by the Dubai municipality, which are itemized separately. These fees amount to 5% of your annual rent and should be paid within a 12-month period. When calculating resource consumption, DEWA employs specific tariffs that factor in fuel consumption. This consideration is essential for the power generation facilities responsible for delivering water and electricity to your property. It's important to note that these tariffs tend to be higher during the summer months due to increased usage of air conditioners and swimming pools.
To illustrate this, let's consider an example. Suppose you have consumed 3,000 kW⋅h of power, which costs 840 AED. In addition, you are charged a fuel fee, with an average cost in 2022 of 0.06 AED per kW. This adds up to 180 AED. Therefore, your electricity bill totals 1,020 AED.
How to Disconnect Utilities
To deactivate your utilities supply, you have two options: you can apply online via the DEWA website or visit one of the Authority's offices. If you choose the online option, follow these steps:
- Go to "Deactivation of Electricity/Water (Move-out)" on the DEWA website.
- Provide your account or property number, move-in date, contact phone number, and select a collection method for your security deposit.
- You will then receive a one-time confirmation code and a bill.
Alternatively, you can visit one of DEWA's offices to complete the deactivation process in person.
If your security deposit amount is sufficient to cover your bill, it will be deducted accordingly. However, if the deposit doesn't cover the entire bill, you will need to make an additional payment. Your final bill statement will be prepared within 24 hours after you submit your application. If a property owner or tenant plans to leave the country, they will require a certificate confirming zero debt. Obtaining this certificate also comes with a fee of 50 AED, excluding taxes.
In a Nutshell
DEWA is the largest utilities supplier in the UAE. If you are looking to move to the Emirates, the first thing you need to do is not just rent a place but also connect it to canalization, electricity, and water supply. To ensure a comfortable stay, keep in mind all the peculiarities of connecting to the utilities: sign up for the DEWA website, pay the security deposit and all the fees. Once you’ve done that, you can proceed to use the electricity, enjoy your time near the pool, and tend to your own garden. We recommend that you monitor your utilities payments via the DEWA website.
Cover photo: Drazen Zigic (Freepik)
