Dubai: Why your Dewa bill didn't drop while you were away
Find out what causes it and how to monitor and reduce your consumption while away
Dubai: If you’ve returned from a long holiday to find that your DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) bill remained unchanged or even increased slightly despite your home being unoccupied, you’re not alone.
This is a common concern among residents, especially during the summer travel season, and there are several reasons why it can happen.
Why you’re still being charged
Even when your home is empty, certain appliances and systems can continue to consume electricity and water.
Fridges left running, routers, TVs, washing machines and other devices plugged in at the wall may still draw small amounts of power. Over time, this adds up, especially if a fridge is working harder in Dubai’s heat.
Water heaters and air conditioners may also run automatically if they’re on timers or weren’t fully switched off at the main breaker. In villas and older buildings, this is more common than you might expect.
Another factor could be plumbing issues you’re unaware of. A slow water leak or a toilet that continues to run after flushing can waste hundreds of litres over several weeks, quietly pushing your bill higher.
Fixed charges on your Dewa bill
It’s also important to note that even with no usage, Dewa applies fixed monthly charges for electricity, water, and sewerage. These service fees are unavoidable. Additionally, if you’re renting, a municipality or housing fee - equivalent to five per cent of your annual rent is included in your monthly bill.
For those living in areas with district cooling, fixed capacity or demand charges are added monthly or annually, regardless of whether you’ve used the cooling system.
How to check and understand your bill
If your bill seems unusually high, take the following steps:
Review your bill online: Log into your DEWA account to see whether the charges relate to actual consumption or fixed fees.
Read your meter manually: Compare the physical meter reading with the one shown on your bill to check for discrepancies.
Turn off breakers before travel: Switch off appliances, especially water heaters, AC units, and non-essential plugs at the main breaker before you leave.
Request a Dewa inspection: If you suspect a leak or a billing error, you can request an inspection through DEWA’s app or website.
Can you prevent high Dewa bills when travelling?
There is no guaranteed way to eliminate fixed charges, but you can reduce unnecessary consumption and monitor your usage with the help of Dewa’s digital tools.
Use Dewa’s 'Away Mode'
To help residents monitor their usage remotely, Dewa offers an ‘Away Mode’ feature. If you have smart electricity and water meters installed, you can activate this service through your online account or the Dewa app. It allows you to receive daily or weekly updates by email, helping you track any unexpected spikes while you’re away.
Use Dewa’s ‘Smart Living’ tools
You can also make use of DEWA’s broader Smart Living dashboard. Once logged in to your DEWA account, you can access the Smart Living dashboard to:
Monitor electricity and water usage in real time.
Receive High Water Usage Alerts that may point to internal leaks.
Compare your consumption with similar homes in your area.
Self-assess your usage patterns to understand how and where to reduce consumption.
While you can’t avoid fixed charges, you can take steps to minimise unnecessary consumption and stay informed while away. A quick check of your appliances and the use of DEWA’s smart tools can make a noticeable difference on your next bill.
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