Why are UAE residents experiencing skyrocketing electricity bills this summer?

Time of India

a day ago

With temperatures soaring between 40°C and 50°C, UAE residents face skyrocketing electricity bills (Representative Image)
As temperatures across the UAE consistently hover between 40°C to 50°C, residents are seeing a significant increase in their electricity bills during the summer months. People living in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi say their electricity usage has notably risen, in some cases doubling or tripling compared to what they typically pay during the winter or spring.
The reason? A combination of factors, including:
Prolonged air conditioning use
Increased cooling requirements
More frequent use of home appliances such as washing machines, irons, and microwave ovens
Even though many households have not made major lifestyle changes, the extreme summer heat has pushed them to rely more heavily on electrical cooling and daily-use devices.
Residents Speak Out: 'The AC is always on'
Shyam S., an Indian resident living in a two-bedroom apartment in Al Nahda, Dubai, told
Khaleej Times
that his DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) bill had risen sharply.
'We have not made any major changes to our routine, but the air conditioners are being used more frequently,' he said.
'We have tried using fans and limiting cooking time, but some appliances like the washing machine and iron are used more regularly now due to the need to wash clothes daily.'
'Now, central cooling is used continuously'
Fatima K., a homemaker living on Hamdan Street in Abu Dhabi, said her monthly electricity bill increased from Dh450 to Dh1,100 over a two-month period. The family previously used table fans or left windows open in winter.
'Now, central cooling is used continuously,' she said.
'We are also storing more food in the refrigerator during the summer, and we have reduced the use of the dishwasher to manage consumption.'
'The AC cools the entire apartment even if only one room is in use'
Mohammed Amr, an Egyptian expat and resident of Al Tawoon, shared a similar experience. His electricity bill jumped from Dh310 in March to Dh780 in May.
'The AC cools the entire apartment even if only one room is in use,' he said.
'We spend more time indoors during summer, which leads to continuous AC use.
We are now considering moving to an apartment with individual room controls.'
Temperature Records Support the Surge in Bills
The increased usage aligns with climate data released by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). According to the NCM, May 2025 was the warmest in over 20 years, recording an average maximum temperature of 40.4°C. This figure is significantly above the historical average of 39.2°C, which was recorded between 2003 and 2024.
DEWA's Tips to Reduce Electricity Consumption This Summer
To help UAE residents manage their electricity bills, DEWA has shared a number of practical energy-saving tips, particularly aimed at reducing AC and appliance usage.
Air Conditioning
Set the thermostat to 24°C – Recommended for both comfort and energy efficiency
Clean AC filters regularly – Dirty filters increase power use
Close doors and windows – Prevent cool air from escaping
Use ceiling or pedestal fans – Helps circulate air efficiently
Install smart thermostats – Automatically adjusts temperature based on your schedule
Lighting
Switch to LED bulbs – Consume less electricity and have a longer lifespan
Use natural light – Rely on daylight when possible to reduce electrical use
Install timers or motion sensors – Helps reduce lighting when not needed
Use dimmers – Lets you adjust brightness and save energy
Appliances
Unplug devices when not in use – TVs, chargers, and computers draw power even on standby
Use delay start features – Run energy-heavy appliances during off-peak hours
Wash full loads – Avoid running machines for a few clothes
Choose energy-efficient models – Look for appliances with high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER)