Dubai: The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority [Dewa] is offering residents the chance to win cash prizes by reducing the amount of electricity and water they use on a daily basis.
A new conservation programme entitled the 'Best Consumer Award' has been introduced as an incentive for Dubai residents to cut down on their energy consumption.
The award, which will see 13 consumers win prizes, is part of a larger programme that includes practical tips to all consumers in government, as well as the commercial, industrial and residential sectors.
The first winner will receive Dh5,000, second place Dh4,000, third place Dh3,000 and ten others will receive Dh1,000 each.
To participate in the award, consumers must fill in a form at any Dewa office or register at Dewa's website by giving their name, address and subscription number. A Dewa team will monitor the consumption of all competitors and the winners will be those who have managed to substantially reduce the amount of energy they use.
The residential sector in Dubai consumed 60 per cent of water and 30 per cent of power supplied by Dewa in 2007.
Amal Koshak, Manager of Investors Services at Dewa's Customer Relations Department, said the award was designed to motivate consumers to reduce consumption.
Saving on utilities: Check for leaks
- Water pipes should be checked for leakage.
- Waste shouldn't be thrown down the toilet as it requires more flushing.
- Garden plants should be watered in the morning or evening.
- Don't leave water running from the tap when shaving, washing or cleaning your teeth.
- Air conditioning should be kept at around 24 or 25 degrees.
- Use energy-saving fluorescent lamps instead of normal lamps.
- Avoid using high energy appliances, such as washing machines, at noon, which is the peak time.
- Switch off electronic devices when not in use.
- Don't leave appliances, such as televisions, on standby when you're asleep or out of the house.
Would you participate in this competition? How successful will such initiatives be in changing the lifestyle habits of residents? What more can be done to reduce the carbon footprint in the UAE? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form bellow to send your comments.
Your comments
Yes, I will. I have a traning program abroad. I will not be using electricity and water anyways. So I will be the winner since my consumption will be zero. No, just kidding. This is a hypotetical case. Somebody may be just leaving for an extended period and he can take advantage of it.
Second point, I am already a veru consciencous person with water and energy. Already all my consumption is minimized. Should I be penalized for that (since I can never be a winner in this competion)?
reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2008, 11:08
Amazing Initiative taken by DEWA to conserve Water
SYED
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2008, 11:01
I THINK THE BEST WAY TO CONSERVE WATER AND ELECTRICITY IS TO INCREASE THE CHARGE PER USE, WHY? PEOPLE CAN AFFORD TO PAY SO THEY DONT CARE HOW MUCH THEY USE BUT IF THE PRICE IS HIGH THEY WILL THINK...
Jhel
ABU DHABI,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2008, 10:01
