Dubai residents urged to cut power use in afternoons

Avoid washing washing clothes and using ovens during the day, power authority says

DUBAI // Families have been urged to limit the amount of power they use in the afternoon to save energy this summer.

Washing clothes, cooking with electric ovens and switching on water heaters for showers should be avoided between midday and 6pm, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) said.

Energy demand rises significantly in the summer, as children are off school for two months and air conditioning is often used around the clock.

“The ultimate goal of these initiatives and campaigns is to encourage energy conservation among all members of society, and promote the sensible use of resources to become a social culture and daily practice," said Saeed Al Tayer, managing director and chief executive of Dewa.

"Launching this annual campaign is part of our ongoing efforts to consolidate environmental sustainability and the sustainable development of Dubai and the UAE. "This is done by rationalising the use of electricity, water, and natural resources, and urging people to adopt a conscious and responsible way of life to ensure the sustainability of natural resources, for generations to come."

The summer campaign aims to encourage people to use high-energy electrical appliances such as washing machines, water heaters, electric ovens, air conditioners, and irons in the morning or evening outside peak-load hours.

The appeal comes as part of Dewa's 'Let’s Make this Summer Green campaign, which is aimed at boosting awareness about the importance of sustainable living and rational consumption to preserve natural resources and reduce Dubai’s carbon footprint.

"These efforts also support the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy to reduce energy demand by 30 percent by 2030", said Mr Al Tayer.

Between 2009 and last year, Dewa said its initiatives have reduced by 19 per cent and water by 28 per cent in the residential sector. The commercial sector reduced electricity use by 10 per cent and water by 30 per cent.

Sharjah has experienced power cuts during the summer in the past, those such incidents have declined as better infrastructure has been developed and power generators and pylons were added to the network. Earlier this month, the Butainah district of Sharjah city suffered a power cut for more than four hours overnight. Power authority Sewa said this was linked to a technical fault and aging materials in some buildings, that are now being upgraded, and not a broader shortage.