DEWA retains leading position due to increases in efficiencies

Dubai, Aug 20, 2013 (WAM) Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has implemented a series of energy- and water-saving measures and initiatives that enabled the utility to reach the highest standards of efficiency and reliability, maintaining Dubai's leading regional position as a global hub for trade, finance and tourism, and working to achieve its vision to become a sustainable world-class utility. Speaking about the achievements, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, pointed out that the results of DEWA's efforts were superior across all measures; with several development and enhancement procedures introduced for its generation and operational processes: raising efficiency levels, reducing costs, preserving resources, and protecting the environment. "DEWA has been able to reduce electrical line losses from 7% in 1998 to 3.5% in 2012, achieving Dhs2.223bn worth of savings between 2001 and 2012. DEWA has also been able to reduce its network's water losses from 42% in 1988 to 10.88% in 2012, saving Dhs5.6bn in total costs between 1990 and 2012, making both reductions amongst the highest in the world," he explained. "In terms of generation, efficiency levels rose by 26%, as of the end of 2012, compared to 2006. DEWA was able to increase its generation capacity by 450MW without requiring extra fuel or installing new power plants. This led to total savings in excess of Dhs1.4bn. As a result of enhancing cooperation and coordination with Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL), DEWA has achieved over Dhs131m in savings between 2010 and 2013." "In terms of demand side management, which includes raising customer awareness and promoting rationalisation through media campaigns, DEWA has achieved a total reduction in operational costs of Dhs411m, for the period from 2009 to 2012," according to Al Tayer. "DEWA included its offices in its efficiency drive, with an integrated group of standards and procedures put in place to reduce the use of electricity and water, such as switching off lights outside working hours and on holidays, raising the air-conditioning temperature to 24 C, and replacing inefficient lighting. This has resulted in operational cost reductions of over Dhs6.6m per year," he added. – Emirates News Agency, WAM