Utility bills down as weather improves

Sharjah - The overload on power networks has been reduced due to the changing weather and the establishment of the new power distribution plants. - Sewa Chair

With the weather getting pleasant, the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa) has claimed that the consumption rate has gone down by 20 per cent. This is largely driven by the reduced usage of air-conditioners, the authority said.
Dr Rashid Alleem, Chairperson of Sewa, told Khaleej times  the overload on power networks has been reduced due to the changing weather and the establishment of the new power distribution plants, including in Al Khan and Muwailih.
Sewa has provided maintenance services for 160 distribution plants in Sharjah. The authority also carried out awareness campaigns to educate consumers on the importance of rationalising consumption.
Dr Alleem explained that the demand for power has risen from seven per cent to 10 percent and expected to increase by 2020.
Sewa has put up ambitious plan to improve water, gas and power supply and distribution networks to cope with rapid growth of population.
He said that maintenance teams at 11 maintenance centres are working 24/7 to face any emergency. "We urge the public to contribute towards development by following the rationalisation procedures to reduce volume of load on power plants," he said.

Residents speak
Mohammed Bahsmn, a resident who works and lives in Sharjah, said the weather has improved a bit, but "we still use the AC". He is expecting a drop in utility bills in the upcoming months.
Aad Kumar, another resident, said his utility bill in September dropped by Dh50 as compared to the previous month.
- afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah