UAE Residents Feel the Heat as Electricity Bills Surge in Summer Months

As UAE temperatures soar past 40°C, many residents across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are reporting significant spikes in their electricity bills. The increase, according to both residents and utility data, is driven primarily by the heavy and prolonged use of air conditioning and other cooling appliances.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) confirmed that May 2025 was the hottest in over two decades, with average maximum temperatures reaching 40.4°C — a full degree above the historical average of 39.2°C recorded between 2003 and 2024.

Rising Costs Reflect Seasonal Strain

Many households are feeling the financial impact. Shyam S., an Indian expat in Al Nahda, Dubai, reported that his DEWA bill nearly tripled, jumping from Dh400 during the cooler months to Dh927 in May.

“We’ve made no major lifestyle changes, but with the heat, the air conditioners are on much longer,” he said. “We tried using fans and reducing cooking time, but the washing machine and iron are now in frequent use.”

Similarly, Fatima K., a homemaker on Hamdan Street in Abu Dhabi, saw her bill increase from Dh450 to Dh1,100 in just two months.

“We used to rely on fans and open windows in winter,” she said. “Now, central AC is on constantly. Even our fridge and dishwasher are running more often.”

Egyptian expat Mohammed Amr, living in Al Tawoon, noted his bill surged from Dh310 in March to Dh780 by May.

“The central AC system cools the entire flat even if we’re using only one room. We’re thinking of relocating to a home with individual room controls to save on electricity.”

DEWA Tips to Reduce Power Usage

With bills rising sharply, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and other authorities have issued guidance for consumers to help manage energy usage effectively:

Air Conditioning

• Set thermostat to 24°C – This is optimal for energy efficiency and comfort.

• Clean filters regularly – Dirty filters reduce cooling performance and increase power use.

• Seal doors and windows – Prevent cold air from escaping.

• Use fans to assist cooling and reduce reliance on AC.

• Install smart thermostats – These adapt to daily routines and adjust cooling accordingly.

Lighting

• Switch to LED lights – Use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs.

• Maximise daylight – Turn off lights during the day.

• Use timers or motion sensors to automate lighting.

• Dimmers can adjust light output to match needs and reduce power.

Appliances

• Unplug electronics when not in use – Many devices draw standby power.

• Delay appliance use to off-peak hours, especially for washing machines or dishwashers.

• Run full loads in washers and dryers to maximize efficiency.

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

A Seasonal Struggle

As the UAE enters peak summer, residents are bracing for higher bills. While cooling is a necessity, simple energy-saving measures can go a long way in reducing the financial strain. With the trend of rising temperatures continuing, many families may also look to upgrade to smarter, more energy-efficient homes to better manage their electricity consumption in the long term.