UAE: Some residents feel the heat as electricity bills soar in summer

As temperatures continue to range between 40 to 50 degrees Celsius across the UAE, some residents have reported an increase in electricity bills during the summer months.

Residents across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi say their monthly electricity usage has increased, in some cases doubling or tripling compared to winter or spring months. This rise is due to prolonged use of air conditioning, increased cooling needs, and more frequent use of household appliances such as washing machines, irons, and microwave ovens.

‘My bill jumped from Dh400 to Dh927’

Shyam S., an Indian resident of a two-bedroom apartment in Al Nahda, Dubai, said his Dewa bill rose from an average of Dh350–Dh400 in the winter to Dh927 last month.

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“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.”

Hottest May

The increase in usage corresponds with temperature data from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), which reported that May 2025 was the warmest in over 20 years. The average maximum temperature reached 40.4 degrees Celcius, above the historical average of 39.2 degrees Celcius recorded between 2003 and 2024.

Change in AC usage

Fatima K., a homemaker living on Hamdan Street in Abu Dhabi, reported her electricity bill rising from Dh450 to Dh1,100 in two months. She said air conditioning was rarely used in winter, and table fans or open windows were sufficient.

“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.”

‘Our bill went from Dh310 to Dh780’

Egyptian expat Mohammed Amr, a resident of Al Tawoon, said his electricity bill increased from Dh310 in March to Dh780 in May. His apartment has a central AC system without separate controls for each room.

“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.” 

Tips to save on electricity

With electricity bills soaring during the summer months, especially due to increased air conditioning and appliance use, it’s essential to adopt energy-saving practices. According to Dewa, residents can significantly cut down on their electricity consumption, and bills, by making small yet effective changes at home.

Here’s how you can save on your electricity usage:

Air Conditioning

• Set thermostat to 24°C: DEWA recommends this as the optimal temperature for comfort and efficiency.

• Clean AC filters regularly: Dirty filters make the unit work harder and use more power.

• Close doors and windows: Keep cool air in and hot air out when the AC is on.

• Use fans: Ceiling or pedestal fans help circulate cool air and reduce the need for low AC settings.

• Install smart thermostats: They automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule.

Lighting

• Switch to LED bulbs: They consume less power and last longer.

• Use natural light: Make the most of daylight and switch off unnecessary lights.

• Install timers or motion sensors: These help control lighting and prevent waste.

• Use dimmers: Lower light intensity to suit your needs and save energy.

Appliances

• Unplug devices when not in use: Chargers, TVs, and computers consume energy even on standby.

• Use delay start features: Run heavy appliances like washing machines during non-peak hours.

• Wash full loads: Avoid running the washing machine for just a few clothes.

• Choose energy-efficient appliances: Look for models with a high Energy Efficiency Rating (EER).