ABU DHABI // With new tariffs for electricity and water use due to come into effect from the start of next year, the public is being reminded of the different ways to cut down on their usage and save money.
From relatively simple steps, such as installing energy-efficient lightbulbs and water fixtures, to costlier measures such as optimising the performance of air-conditioning chillers and reusing grey water, there are many ways to reduce the use of resources, said Abdulaziz Al Shamsi, executive director of customer service at Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC).
While the price hike still does not mean Abu Dhabi users will pay the full cost for the power and water they consume, it is expected to lead to an overall reduction in use.
“This change lets the customer understand the value of power and water and to help them to reduce consumption as well,” said Mr Al Shamsi.
Sometimes bills can be reduced by simple changes in behaviour, said Abdulla Al Sheryani, customer service director at Al Ain Distribution Company.
Mr Al Sheryani urged customers to monitor the amount of water they were using and foster better habits, such as using a bucket instead of a hose when cleaning their cars, to reduce consumption.
“The same goes for ACs and electricity – whatever does not need to be used should not be consumed. Lights in rooms with no people should be switched off.”
More tips regarding the efficient use of utilities can be found online on ADDC’s website, where users can also see the impact of price hikes through an online calculator.
Announced in November, the new tariff system has different rates depending on consumption. Expatriates will face the biggest increases.
The current rate of Dh2.2 per 1,000 litres will more than double to Dh5.95 for expatriates living in flats who consume up to 700 litres per day.
A higher, yet unannounced tariff will be charged above that threshold. Expatriates living in villas will be charged Dh5.95 per 1,000 litres for consumption of up to 5,000 litres per day.
While UAE nationals in Abu Dhabi currently get water free of charge, they will be charged Dh1.7 per 1,000 litres from January if they live in flats and consume up to 700 litres. Higher consumption will be charged at Dh1.89 per 1,000 litres.
Villa residents will be charged the lower tariff for consumption of up to 7,000 litres a day and the higher tariff – Dh1.89 per 1,000 litres – for anything above that.
Electricity prices for expatriates will increase from 15 fils per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 21 fils per kWh for those with a daily consumption of up to 20 kWh if they live in a flat and up to 200 kWh if they live in a villa.
At present UAE nationals pay 5 fils per kWh and will continue to pay the same if they live in a flat and use no more than 30kWh or in a villa and use no more than 400 kWh. Those using more will be charged 5.5 fils per kWh.
vtodorova@thenational.ae
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What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.