Have you ever returned after a month-long vacation only to be surprised by a large utility bill? Residents of Dubai can utilize a service offered by the Dubai Energy and Water Authority (Dewa) to monitor their home’s water and electricity usage even when they are not in the United Arab Emirates.
The “Away Mode” feature tells you if there is an unusual rise in usage as well as provides Dewa clients with updates on their home’s water and power usage.
Here’s how to turn on “Away Mode” and prevent a big Dewa bill before you depart on your summer vacation this year.
What is the ‘Away Mode’?
A component of Dewa’s “Smart Living” programme is the “Away Mode.” Customers may keep an eye on their water and electricity usage when away from home thanks to this online service. Customers who have placed smart water and energy meters in their homes can activate this service using their accounts on the www.dewa.gov.ae website and the “Dewa” smart app, which is accessible for Apple and Android devices.
Additionally, customers can choose the duration for which the “Away Mode” will be engaged and opt to get daily or weekly email updates on their home’s energy usage.
Does one have a smart meter? How does one find out?
Dewa implemented smart meters in 2020; with the use of a private dashboard, consumers can monitor their power and water consumption online and obtain daily, monthly, and annual consumption data.
Your Dewa account number and premise number are required to check if your home has a smart meter. Your Dewa bill has the account number.
You must first go to this website: https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/consumer/billing/premise-account/dashboard, enter your Dewa account number and then click “search” to get the premise number. Next, the premise number will be seen.
Call the DEWA customer assistance center at (04 601 9999) once you have the account and premise numbers. If a smart meter has been put in your villa or apartment, a call center representative will then be able to let you know.
How does one activate the ‘Away Mode’ through the DEWA website?
Here is a step-by-step tutorial for turning on “Away Mode”:
- Use this link to directly access the service: https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/consumer/my-account/away-mode/anonymous-create
- Type in the Dewa account number.
- Following the entry of the Account number, a six-digit One Time Password (OTP) will be sent to the mobile number you registered with Dewa through SMS. To proceed, enter the code on the webpage.
- Next, by entering the start and end dates for the “Away Mode” activation time, you must choose it.
- Next, select the frequency of the “Consumption Details Report,” which can be either daily or weekly.
- Next, type in your email address.
- After completing the form, press the green “submit” button. Dewa will then send you an email and SMS to confirm your registration for the “Away Mode” service.
How do one alert Dewa if there is an increase in my water and electricity consumption?
By phoning Dewa’s helpdesk at 04 601 9999 and asking for the “Consumption Verification for Electricity/Water” service, you can report any odd consumption that occurs while you are gone. By organizing an onsite visit from a member of Dewa’s technical staff for a meter examination, you can use the service to confirm the level of usage at your residence. However, depending on the size or kind of meter, an onsite visit has a service fee of Dh30 to Dh75.