Sharjah: Sharjah residents will get their utility bill by email or SMS from January 2017 onwards, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) said on Tuesday.
Sewa urged its customers to ensure their email and mobile number is registered with Sewa so they can receive the e-bill from next year.
The green bill will be sent as soon as it is generated, saving time, effort, paper and resources, Sewa said.
Consumers will be able to keep a digital record of past bills and make payments online securely.
The transition from paper bills to e-bills is taking place under the Sewa slogan ‘My Bill is Environmentally Friendly’.
Sewa is coordinating with a number of government and private establishments, as well as the media, to raise awareness about the initiative.
Paper bills generate waste and paper production generates gas emissions that are harmful to the environment.
The e-bills will save resources significantly, as around 450,000 people are already registered with Sewa. Starting next year, they will no longer receive paper bills.
Registration for the e-bill can be done on www.sewa.gov.ae
Sewa chairman Dr Rashid Al Leem said the move towards smart services in part of its 2020 Strategic Plan, which aims to push forward the UAE’s development in digital transformation to provide easier services in line with international standards.
He added the aim is to also achieve sustainable development for future generations. Dr Al Leem said Sewa is continuously upgrading its services to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction.
The development is in line with the directives of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to drive sustainable development in Sharjah.
Eman Al Khayal, head of IT at Sewa, said the green bill system will be fast, secure and easy to use.
