Fewa clarifies on new 'Dh100 fine' rumour

Dubai: The Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa) has denied rumours of an introduction in late payment fees.

“The procedure is still the same as before,” said Mohammed Saleh, director general of Fewa.

"The only thing that changed is the name of the Dh100 service fee,” he said.

Previously, consumers who did not pay their electricity and water bills on time had to pay Dh100 to Fewa to reconnect the service. 

He explained that consumers would previously be able to make their payments up to 20 days after the monthly bill was issued.

“In the event of a delay, the electricity would then be cut off and the service would be reconnected after a Dh100 payment,” said Saleh.

As of Tuesday, however, customers can now expect a SMS from Fewa reminding them to pay their utility bill if the payment is not made within the usual 20-day period.

“After the SMS is sent, consumers have four days to pay. If they fail to do so, a Dh100 charge will be added to the account,” said Saleh.