Dewa campaign to offer tips on saving power

The UAE may spend up to $80 billion (Dh293 billion) by 2020 to meet increasing demands for electricity by a growing population, according to estimates. Within the next three years alone, electricity demand is expected to more than double, placing a great emphasis on conserving energy within every home than at any other point in the country's history. Increasing the amount of energy saved by individual consumers daily can help reduce total demand for electricity, especially at peak times during hot summers when air conditioners across the country place huge pressure on generating plants to deliver. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) said Monday it was taking action to educate consumers through its third annual Neighbourhood Campaign. Education of younger consumers should translate into smarter, more informed use of precious resources such as electricity and water and, in the end, help to offset ballooning energy demands for the emirate, said officials yesterday. "This initiative falls under Dewa's strategic plan to educate Dubai's inhabitants about the importance of energy consumption by explaining how we all can protect our resources to build a sustainable future for generations to come," said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dewa, in a statement. "In order to achieve sustainable development, it is essential to manage our natural resources responsibly, using environmentally-friendly techniques as part of a comprehensive system that improves both energy and the environment. Therefore, we must enlighten everyone about the importance of conserving energy and improving efficiency based on international best practices, which create real tangible improvements." More than pamphlets The new Dewa initiative is not your typical awareness campaign. More than just pamphlets and posters distributed from Dewa offices and around the emirate, Dewa is taking conservation messages directly to consumers through a door-knocking initiative in neighbourhoods across Dubai. Dewa is sending its specially designed neighbourhood bus into corners of the emirate and inviting residents to step inside and take part in an array of interactive conservation presentations, the authority said. Bus visitors are being given "free samples of energy-saver lamps and water-saving devices," Dewa said Monday. "This programme reaches out to children and adults on an equal level. We have found that it's important to educate children at a early age about the importance of energy-efficient consumption, because this awareness and eventual behaviour will grow with them to adulthood and positively-impact their contribution to society, both now and in the future," said Amal Koshak, senior manager of marketing, Dewa. Home energy saving tips that work Use task lighting, put your light where you need it most instead of brightening the whole room. Install dimmers in areas like the dining room or the bedroom. Light that is dimmed by 15 per cent reduces energy consumption by 15 per cent. Set your thermostats to 24 degrees Celsuis in the summer, and make sure you set it on automatic mode, so that it shuts and restarts at intervals. Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows that leak air. Avoid taking long showers. Shortening your shower by a minute or two can save you up to 150 gallons a month.