Dubai: Gulf News has received a number of emails from its readers saying they are seeing an increase in their Dewa bills, with some of them submitting official complaints to Dewa to object to the hike.

One of the readers, Rafiq Umar, said that his bill increased from the hike in bill value is being explained by Dewa to an increase in consumption, said Sonia Prashant Marya. “Normally, I don’t put on the air-conditioner all day,” she said. “I also cut down on water and electricity wastage.” She also added that while she normally gets a bill of Dh300, the last bill she received was Dh500.

Another customer, Carly Robinson Yup, said: “My bills are normally around Dh500. However, this month it was Dh1,600. We submitted a complaint two days ago and I am still waiting for a response,” he added.

However, Dewa has said there is no increase in tariffs, and is asking residents to watch their consumption of water and electricity this summer.

“Dewa charges have remained unchanged but the consumption of water and electricity usually rises during summer due to the weather. That is the main reason for the rising utility bills,” said Saeed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dewa.

He said that Dubai residents who see their bill increasing should also check their metres before assuming there are hidden increases in power or water tariffs.

Dewa has not revised water and power tariffs since January 2011, when water and utility rates were increased by around 15 per cent. “The 15 per cent increase in water and electricity tariff had to be done in accordance with the ongoing increase in fuel and gas prices in the global market,” Al Tayer said.

According to Dewa’s latest statistics, the water and electricity consumption is increasing on an annual bases as electricity consumption increased from 34,606 gigawatts per hour (GWH) in 2011 to 36,299 GWH in 2012.

Consumption by businesses was the highest in 2012, representing 47.3 per cent of consumption at 16,623 GWH, followed by residential units by 27.9 per cent at 9,815 GWH. The industrial sector reported the least consumption of 7.3 per cent at 2.564GWH.

He also added that additional fuel surcharges could show separately in electricity and water consumption bills. This value added is to show the cost of the fuel used in the water and electricity consumption. It will fluctuate according to the fuel prices globally. However, consumers may also receive a credit in case the fuel price drops.