Latest news with #2024AnnualReport
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Dubai's switch to cubic meters for water bills: Why it matters more this summer
DEWA updates its billing units to cubic meters, aligning Dubai with global water measurement standards/Representative Image TL;DR: DEWA replaced gallons with cubic meters for water billing in March 2025. The change aligns with global standards and simplifies consumption tracking for residents. Summer months typically cause about 18% surge in water usage in the UAE, making this metric shift especially timely. No change in water tariffs, only the measurement unit is different. Dubai's ongoing efforts to improve sustainability and transparency took a notable step in March 2025, when the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) transitioned its water billing units from gallons to cubic meters. While initially seen as a technical tweak, the change is proving particularly useful now, as residents face the UAE's hottest months when water consumption spikes. According to the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy's 2025 Mid-Year Review, water usage in the emirate typically increases during summer (June to September) due to higher demand for cooling, irrigation, and personal use. This makes the cubic meter-based billing system a timely tool for both locals and expats trying to better manage costs and consumption. Why Did DEWA Make the Switch? The switch to cubic meters was officially announced by DEWA in March 2025, aligning Dubai's utility billing with global norms where cubic meters are the standard metric unit for water measurement. The earlier system based on imperial gallons often confused residents unfamiliar with non-metric measurements. One cubic meter equals 1,000 liters, roughly 220 imperial gallons, providing a clearer and more relatable unit for residents who wish to monitor and adjust their consumption patterns. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo DEWA emphasized that the change aims to enhance transparency, simplify billing, and support sustainability goals set under Dubai's Clean Energy Strategy 2050. Has Pricing Changed? Despite the unit shift, DEWA has confirmed that tariff rates remain unchanged. Consumers are paying the same per cubic meter as they previously did per the equivalent gallon-based metric. This was clearly outlined in DEWA's official statement on the change. The update is administrative, aimed at measurement clarity rather than cost increase. The tiered pricing system based on slab consumption continues as before, with higher usage resulting in higher per-unit charges. Summer Water Consumption in Dubai Summer in the UAE sees a considerable uptick in resource consumption, particularly water. The Dubai Statistics Center's 2024 Annual Report noted that water consumption typically rises by 18-20% during summer months, driven by air conditioning cooling systems, gardening, and increased household use. This trend has already been observed in June and July 2025, where DEWA's smart meters have recorded above-average usage compared to earlier in the year, as per DEWA's internal consumption bulletins shared in June 2025. How Residents Can Track Their Usage To help residents stay informed, DEWA offers the Smart Living Program via its smart app, where users can: View daily, weekly, and monthly water usage. Receive alerts on unusual consumption spikes. Compare usage against similar households. Since the shift to cubic meters, these tools have become more intuitive for residents who were previously unfamiliar with gallon-based measurements. A Regional Comparison Dubai is not alone in adopting cubic meters. In the wider GCC region: Abu Dhabi's ADDC (Abu Dhabi Distribution Company) uses cubic meters for water billing. Saudi Arabia's National Water Company also uses cubic meters. Qatar's Kahramaa follows the metric system. Bahrain, however, continues to use gallons, though a news report from June 2025 indicates that a switch to cubic meters is under consideration for 2026 to standardize measurements across the region. Why Measurement Matters Switching to cubic meters is not merely a bureaucratic update, it helps residents make international comparisons, better understand their environmental footprint, and align with Dubai's 30% water use reduction target by 2030, part of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050. As sustainability and climate resilience become priorities, particularly in water-scarce regions like the Gulf, empowering residents with transparent metrics can help curb overconsumption. While DEWA's switch from gallons to cubic meters may have seemed like a quiet policy update back in March, its practical benefits are clearer today as Dubai faces peak summer demand. With clearer units and smart monitoring tools, residents are now better equipped to track and control water use, aligning personal utility savings with broader environmental goals.
Cision Canada
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Inspector General of Policing releases his annual report: Ontario's policing system is strong overall, with areas that require attention to meet evolving public safety complexity and demand Français
TORONTO, July 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Inspector General of Policing of Ontario, Ryan Teschner, released his 2024 Annual Report, "On the Road to Excellence: A Year of Progress and Purpose," identifying the key challenges facing Ontario's police services and some of the actions being taken to address them. The 2024 Annual Report also highlights the significant work of Ontario's Inspectorate of Policing (IoP) to improve the performance of the province's police services and police service boards. "Police services and boards are being asked to navigate complex social issues while confronting operational pressures, emerging public safety risks, and resource demands," said Inspector General Teschner. "At the same time, there is a clear opportunity to move beyond the models of yesterday and towards a modern policing approach that contributes to policing excellence, good governance, and public trust. The Inspectorate of Policing is applying my oversight mandate to anticipate future challenges and ready our public safety system to effectively meet them." The public report, mandated by the Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA), provides a comprehensive picture of the state of policing in Ontario. The report identifies the common challenges that Ontario's 43 police services are facing across the province's diverse communities. It also highlights successful approaches and initiatives to confront those challenges, including: more officer wellness concerns, alternative models of crisis response with partnerships between police and other responders, the importance of addressing strain in the public order policing system and strategies for improving public confidence in police performance. The report also contains information about how Inspector General Teschner and the IoP oversee more significant, real-time policing operations to ensure adequate and effective policing, including ongoing border policing operations led by the Ontario Provincial Police. "April 1, 2024, marked an important milestone in Ontario policing with the coming into force of the CSPA and the start of my role as Inspector General of Policing. This is more than legislative change. It is the first of a generation and an important step in a more modern, transparent, and accountable policing system" said Inspector General Teschner. "As we continue to leverage our independent research and data intelligence, we are identifying and helping the sector adopt leading practices to drive improved performance, ensuring that high-quality policing and police governance are delivered to make everyone in Ontario safer." The annual report also includes information about how the Inspector General has been fulfilling his legislative responsibilities to independently oversee the compliance and performance of all Ontario's police service boards, municipal police services and the Ontario Provincial Police, First Nation police services and boards constituted under the CSPA, and special constable employers. The oversight activities detailed for the first year of the IoP's operations include: inspections conducted; public complaints investigated and dealt with, including statistical information about public complaints; and turning information into data intelligence to drive risk-based decision-making and apply the right oversight tools at the right time. The key oversight activities highlighted in the report include: The IoP launched 46 complaint-based inspections in response to public concerns that identify common emerging themes, including: police response during protests, handling of intimate partner violence cases, quality of investigations, traffic enforcement, delays in response and communication, and issues with records checks. The IoP launched the first Policing Insight Statement survey to gather perspectives from all of Ontario's chiefs of police and police service boards to help identify areas of common opportunity and challenge across the sector. Inspector General Teschner released the first-ever Spotlight Report on the policing of protests and major events, assessing compliance with provincial requirements for maintaining public order policing. Inspector Teschner concluded that Ontario's public order policing is strong but under strain, and included 12 recommendations for police services, boards, and the Ministry of the Solicitor General to improve the system's long-term performance. The Inspector General launched the first issue-specific inspection under the CSPA. The inspection of the Thunder Bay Police Service and Board began in October 2024. The inspection is examining how the police service conducts death and missing persons investigations, as well as how the police service and board are addressing recommendations issued by other oversight bodies that have reviewed policing and governance in Thunder Bay. The report also looks ahead to the IoP's priorities, including establishing a Centre of Excellence, building a provincial policing performance measurement framework, preparing for a thematic inspection of police response times, and independently monitoring significant policing operations to ensure adequate and effective delivery of policing occurs. "Ontario's policing system is strong, and there are opportunities to strengthen it further, so it meets evolving and complex public safety challenges. At the Inspectorate of Policing, we will continue to focus on areas of greatest risk, while identifying how to improve compliance and performance" said Inspector General Teschner. "By applying my mandate to encourage the sector-wide uptake of leading and innovative practices, Ontario can continue to distinguish itself as an international policing and police governance leader." The 2024 Annual Report covers activities from January 1 to December 31, 2024, and is available online. About the Inspector General of Policing Appointed in March 2023, Ryan Teschner is Ontario's first Inspector General of Policing with independent duties and authorities under the Community Safety and Policing Act. The role of the Inspector General serves the public interest by promoting improved performance and accountability in the policing sector, while ensuring compliance with the CSPA and its regulations. Inspector General Teschner leads the Inspectorate of Policing, an oversight body dedicated to ensuring high-quality policing and governance across Ontario.
Observer
14-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
PDO's contribution climbs to $22.5 billion in 2024
MUSCAT, JULY 14 Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), the largest producer of oil and gas in the Sultanate of Oman, generated approximately $22.5 billion in revenue for the government in 2024, up from around $22 billion a year earlier. Fuelling this uptick was a significant increase in crude oil production, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals noted in its newly published 2024 Annual Report. 'In 2024, PDO recorded its highest oil production in 20 years, exceeding its target and reinforcing its role as a key contributor to the nation's energy supply,' the Ministry stated in the report. 'Gas output remained stable, in line with customer demand, while the company continued to serve as the country's swing producer for gas—requiring it to operate in a highly dynamic mode. The combined daily production of oil, condensate, and non-associated gas remained strong throughout the year.' It further added: 'In a fast-changing energy landscape, the company stayed the course by significantly boosting its contribution to the nation's revenue—amounting to approximately $22.5 billion.' While corresponding production figures for 2024 were not immediately disclosed, PDO's crude oil production averaged 657,599 barrels per day (bpd) in 2023. Condensate output averaged 97,426 bpd, while gas production stood at 58.26 million m³/day, reflecting lower customer demand. According to the report, PDO is focused on sustaining the momentum of its 2024 production performance. 'The Exploration Directorate also delivered another strong year, with several important oil and gas discoveries made across various geological formations in both the northern and southern parts of the concession,' it stated. Enhancing cost competitiveness has been identified as a strategic priority, with a strong commitment to optimising Unit Operating Cost (UOC), PDO noted. To this end, a range of initiatives has been implemented across the company to reduce operating expenditure (Opex) while maintaining a sharp focus on safety and value creation. 'In 2024, PDO's UOC was $7.4/bbl, reflecting ongoing efforts in cost control, enhanced collaboration, an improved operating model, and streamlined processes. Additionally, the company has prioritised deferment reduction and improving facility availability, aiming to reduce total deferments to below 5% by 2030. Total capital and operating expenditure amounted to US$7.264 billion,' the report added. On the technology front, PDO achieved a number of significant milestones in 2024, launching 18 transformative initiatives aimed at unlocking new growth opportunities and addressing critical operational challenges. These initiatives targeted areas such as produced water and energy management, artificial lifting, enhanced oil recovery (EOR), well construction, and production measurement. Of these, 13 technologies were successfully deployed, providing practical solutions in water and energy management, artificial lifting, and well construction. In addition, 15 technology trials were completed, demonstrating strong value potential and paving the way for broader deployment and operational efficiency gains. Further advancing innovation, five joint academia-industry research projects were awarded to Omani universities, targeting priority areas aligned with PDO's long-term goals and Oman's economic diversification agenda. These projects focus on energy efficiency, water management, EOR, bioenergy, materials and corrosion science, and renewable energy.
Jordan News
12-07-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
29,636 Cases of Electricity Theft Detected in Jordan Last Year - Jordan News
29,636 Cases of Electricity Theft Detected in Jordan Last Year According to the 2024 Annual Report issued by the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC), Jordan recorded 29,636 cases of illegal electricity usage, uncovered through 174,481 inspections of electric meters conducted in cooperation with electricity distribution companies and public security forces. اضافة اعلان The report also revealed that 918,449 smart meters were installed in 2024, a significant increase from 352,264 in 2023, representing a 161% growth. As of the end of 2024, electricity distribution companies had installed approximately 1,679,598 smart meters, covering 69.3% of the total 2,422,537 subscribers across various sectors. All traditional meters were replaced with smart meters in the governorates of Tafileh, Salt, Madaba, and Ajloun during the year. The number of renewable energy systems connected to the distribution network reached 81,146 under the net-metering system with a capacity of 853 MW, and 656 systems under the wheeling system with 315 MW. The report highlighted that 1,642,669 individuals registered on the electricity subsidy platform, with 1,608,177 meters enrolled. A total of 788 students and employees received subsidies for second meters. Of 17,327 complaints filed on the platform, 17,202 were resolved. Electricity losses on the transmission network stood at 1.76%, and 11.85% on the distribution network. In terms of renewable energy licensing, the commission issued three licenses for private-use electricity generation with a total nominal capacity of 8.69 MW. Additionally, 65 new public EV charging stations were licensed, bringing the total number of operational stations to 110, supporting the shift toward sustainable transportation and meeting rising demand for electric vehicles. Electricity generation sources in 2024 were distributed as follows: Conventional sources: 58% Oil shale: 14% Renewable energy: 27% Imported from Egypt: 1% The number of licenses granted for the supply, installation, operation, maintenance, and inspection of renewable energy systems was 132, compared to 238 in 2023. Jordan's total consumption of petroleum derivatives reached 3.645 billion liters, distributed as follows: Gasoline 90: 1.588 billion liters Gasoline 95: 14 million liters Diesel: 1.805 billion liters Kerosene: 103 million liters There were 708 operational fuel stations. In the oil sector, the commission issued: 19 new fuel station licenses 12 license renewals 130 licenses to regularize existing stations 5 licenses for LPG cylinder storage facilities 26 renewals for LPG storage 184 licenses for LPG distribution centers 27 renewals for distribution agencies 1,315 approvals for operating central LPG installations Jordan also inaugurated its first compressed natural gas station in Al-Risha to support the industrial sector and reduce energy costs. Measures were taken to ensure kerosene quality, using a chemical marker to detect illegal mixing with diesel. The EMRC conducted: 862 field inspections on fuel and gas facilities 1,927 mineral export licenses 3,000 mineral import licenses 4 mining rights 178 quarry licenses 8 exploration licenses 40 licenses for explosive experts 2,897 inspections in the natural resources sector In the radiation and nuclear sector, the commission issued 2,098 licenses and permits, including: 289 imported radiation devices 621 imported radioactive materials 9 exported radiation devices 153 re-exported radioactive materials 5 in-transit radiation devices They also conducted 233 inspections on industrial and medical institutions and radiology centers. Of 161 institutions ordered to comply with regulations, 129 complied. All radiation exposure levels among workers remained within legal limits. The commission reviewed 682 service provider reports and conducted 6,796 exposure assessments. There were: 109 fixed radiation monitoring devices at borders 1,865,650 radiation screenings of passengers, trucks, and vehicles 7,553 secondary and portable device screenings 25,655 transactions processed through the ASYCUDA system 6 mobile radiation detection vehicles In 2024, a comprehensive evaluation of the Integrated Nuclear Security Plan was completed in cooperation with the IAEA and national security bodies. The commission also developed the first integrated nuclear maintenance management program in the region. To enhance emergency preparedness, the EMRC: Activated an early warning system Deployed 20 fixed radiation monitoring stations across the country Connected the national monitoring system to the IAEA's IRMIS, becoming the first Arab country to do so The commission also expanded its capabilities in nuclear forensic analysis to assist in investigations involving radioactive materials. Comprehensive radiation inspections were conducted on all imported, exported, and transiting goods, with 'Radiation-Free Certificates' issued accordingly. Jordan renewed its ISO laboratory accreditation and obtained new international accreditation for 2024, affirming its commitment to high-quality laboratory standards. The Emergency and Monitoring Center responded to: 10 emergency activations 498 complaints 14,770 inquiries It also updated 30 sector-specific emergency plans covering electricity, renewable energy, oil, natural resources, and nuclear sectors. A new central monitoring system was introduced to track fuel stock levels at 312 automated stations belonging to Jordan's three main fuel marketing companies. The commission launched a mobile app allowing users to locate licensed public EV charging stations across the country, identify charger types (fast/slow), and choose based on vehicle compatibility and location. In 2024, the commission: Conducted 36 sector-wide inspection campaigns Raised alert levels 10 times to ensure the supply of electricity and fuel Continued efforts to regulate tariffs, and analyzed financial and regulatory aspects of the energy and natural resources sectors According to the National Information System, the commission: Received 10,176 applications Accepted 10,124 monthly requests Rejected 52 non-compliant requests Handled 13 data access requests Served 12,600 service recipients Processed 9,423 complaints (of which 9,275 were resolved, and 148 are in progress) As of the end of 2024, 37 services were converted into electronic services, with three phases of the digital transformation project completed. The fourth phase is expected in 2025. (Petra News Agency)
Observer
10-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman's crude oil reserves dip 2.8% to 4.8 billion barrels
MUSCAT: Oman's crude oil and condensate reserves totaled around 4.825 billion barrels at the end of 2024, reflecting a decrease of 2.8 per cent compared to the previous year. Natural gas reserves stood at 23.3 trillion cubic feet (TCF), up from around 23 TCF a year earlier. Announcing these figures in its 2024 Annual Report, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals noted that Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) — the largest oil and gas producer in the Sultanate — accounted for about 62 per cent of total crude oil and condensate reserves in 2024. Highlighting the central role of hydrocarbons in Oman's national economy, Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, stated: 'Amid global challenges facing energy markets — ranging from price volatility to evolving demand dynamics — Oman, guided by strategic foresight and sound policies, succeeded in maintaining stable production levels in the oil and gas sector. The average daily production of crude oil and condensates reached 992.6 thousand barrels, with total exports of approximately 308.4 million barrels.' He added: 'The average price for Omani crude stood at USD 80.79 per barrel. In the natural gas sector, average daily production reached 149.2 million cubic meters, comprising 117.5 million cubic meters of non-associated gas and 31.7 million cubic meters of associated gas. Exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) totaled 12 million tonnes, delivered across 181 shipments — a clear indication of the sector's operational efficiency and resilience.' Eng Salim al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals As of end-2024, Oman was home to 475 producing fields, comprising 400 oil fields and 75 gas fields. A total of 73 exploration and appraisal wells were drilled last year — 54 for oil and 19 for gas, the report noted. According to Al Aufi, the year 2024 was marked by continued advancements across the oil and gas sectors. 'Our vision remains firmly set on a diversified economic future, enhanced in-country value, and empowered Omani talent across all levels. Despite global challenges, Oman succeeded in maintaining stable production levels in the oil and gas sector, thanks to strategic foresight and sound policies.' Significant progress was also witnessed in the refining and petrochemical sector, said the Minister. A total of 122 million barrels of petroleum products — including gas oil, jet fuel, and naphtha — were exported, while imports dropped to around 2 million barrels, demonstrating growing self-sufficiency and improved value chain efficiency. On the green hydrogen front, 2024 marked a year of 'pioneering milestones' aimed at reinforcing Oman's position as a regional hub for renewable energy and green hydrogen, Al Aufi noted. This was underscored by the signing of eight major hydrogen production agreements — five in Al Wusta Governorate and three in Dhofar. Electricity generated from renewable sources — chiefly solar and wind — accounted for roughly 9 per cent of total power generation in the country last year. This modest but growing share underscores the Ministry's commitment to diversifying the national energy mix and advancing low-carbon solutions, Al Aufi said. The contribution of renewables is set to increase steadily with the commissioning of the Manah 1 and Manah 2 solar farms, which will have a combined capacity of 1,000 MW. Also slated for launch by 2026 are the North Oman Solar project and the Riyah 1 and 2 wind farms, which together are projected to reduce CO₂ emissions by over 1.4 million tonnes annually, the Minister noted.
