UAE minister orders investigation as Emirati couple complain over power being cut off

Suhail Al Mazrouei called for a review into the procedures of the Federal Electricity and Water Authority after an Emirati couple claimed their power supply was cut off without warning

Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Industry, has ordered an investigation after an Emirati couple claimed the power at their home was cut off without warning. Victor Besa/The National

A UAE minister has launched an investigation after an Emirati woman claimed the power supply was cut off at her home.

Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Industry, ordered an immediate probe into the actions of the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa) after the woman's complaints were widely shared on social media.

In a video recording, the woman is seen parked outside the department's offices in Ras Al Khaimah with her husband as she describes how the power supply at her property was cut off without warning.

The unknown resident, who said in the video she was 60 and lived with her 65-year-old husband, expressed dismay at being forced to leave her home for the first time in months due to the coronavirus pandemic in order to raise her concerns.

In a statement, Mr Al Mazrouei pledged the woman's utility services would be restored and called for an overhaul of Fewa's approach towards senior Emirati customers.

Fewa manages the electricity and water supply of residents in the Northern Emirates.

"All of the woman's comments have been taken into consideration by the minister himself," said a statement issued on behalf of the minister.

"In addition to re-evaluating procedures and developing new services to serve senior Emiratis, considering they are the base of the UAE society."

The woman insists in the video she would pay her utility bill but was unaware any payment was due and was unable to access online services.

"We did not say we will not pay, but we haven't received a bill, or a message or a warning, nothing. I am 60 and he is 65 and they hassle us like that?" she said during the recording.

"At least send us a warning, a notification, at least ring the bell and see if anyone will answer and pay.

"Why do this to us? We are in our country, it is hot and we are not allowed to go outside and now we are forced to go out to pay the electricity bill."

"If I didn't know how to drive [what would I have done?] And I suffer from blood pressure and diabetes, and this is my husband [if something were to happen to him] which hospital would accept and admit him?

"Why are they treating UAE nationals this way? Why no warning and no bills? Why? Oh our royals, our rulers, our officials, look at what's happening to us in our country, this is not right."