Residents are using online platforms like Facebook and Twitter to get in touch with DEWA regarding mounting bills.

Residents pay a monthly DEWA (Dubai’s electricity and water supply) bill which generally charges for water, electricity, sewerage and housing fees. The owner usually pays the housing fee, 5% of which is paid for by the tenant.

See here for the guide to understanding your DEWA bill. 

COVID-19 and Dubai heat are the perfect stay home conditions, which means many of us are probably at home more often, consuming more water etc. But whatever the reason may be, residents are noticing a significant rise in monthly bills and they’re reaching out to DEWA for help.

Recommended

Here’s How Much It’ll Cost To Rent A Place In DubaiDon’t Leave Your Pup Behind At These Pet-Friendly Spots In DubaiThe Lovin Merch Secret Is Finally Out Of The Bag

One resident’s bills have tripled and he’s wondering how bills are calculated

People who noticed a similar jump posted messages to DEWA on Twitter

Hi, please contact our customer care centre by calling 046019999 or email customercare@dewa.gov.ae so we can further assist you.

— DEWA | Official Page (@DEWAOfficial) July 27, 2020

DEWA is responding, asking people to contact customer care for further assistance

750aed @DEWAOfficial bill for this month. I have never had a bill this high in all these years. This time last year it aed 460. I know I looked at the compare on the app. I know I’m home more but I use eco on my ac. DEWA has risen the prices! This is insanity.

— Shelina (@shelo9) July 27, 2020

Another resident who recently had his box checked to ensure there was no abnormal activity also noticed the jump

Hello @DEWAOfficial .. we were averaging AED700 a month , last month was AED 1680 and this month AED 2340 ??? Surely that isn’t right ? You came and inspected box and said normal but it can’t be, what is going on ?

— Collin Allin (@collinallin) July 25, 2020

Has there been a housing fee increase?

@DEWAOfficial why am i being charged 77% increase on my housing fee? It's supposed to be 5% of my annual rent divided by 12 months. Please explain?! pic.twitter.com/CrLGXE0fPu

— Ineffable E f f y (@SarahIsEffy) July 25, 2020

Others are suggesting the rise could by Covid related

It is linked to the Corona virus…

— Peter Basson (@PeterBasson7) July 27, 2020

I had a look at my own bill for comparison

Before I tell you how low my bill usually is, I should tell you that I live alone in a small one-bed apartment, and for some reason, I’ve been graced with the acumen to use electricity and water sparingly. I have no pool to worry about, I switch lights off when I’m not using them and my hot water is rarely on. So my DEWA bill normally comes in at a grand total of less than AED140 per month. No complaints from me.

This month, and in May for some reason, it reached AED320. Tbh, I’ve barely been home (yes, busy news days, I blame you) and the second big increase in a number of months was enough to cause me to do what I do when I’m surprised about anything and everything… I hit Twitter to find that it’s not just me, many residents have noticed an increase in DEWA bills recently too.

Here’s my bill for June (previously I’ve had bills for as little as AED80 per month so comparatively this is actually quite high)

And here’s my bill for July

For anyone experiencing confusion over your bill, please contact DEWA customer care centre by calling 046019999 or email customercare@dewa.gov.ae so they can assist you

The Lovin Daily: Passengers Travelling To The UK And The EU To Provide A Negative COVID Test

Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / Anghami