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AI-assisted content notice: This article was written with AI assistance and reviewed by the Tovi team. UAE rules and fees change — always verify with official sources before acting. Last reviewed: April 2026.
🪪 Expat lifeUtilities✓ Verified Apr 2026

DEWA Bill Explained 2026: Every Line Item Decoded

DEWA bills in 2026 list electricity, water, sewerage, fuel surcharge, housing fee and Knowledge Dirham. Here is what each line means and how to read your statement.

·5 min read·By the Tovi UAE Team
Burj Al Arab
Photo by ZQ Lee on Unsplash

DEWA Bill Structure in 2026

Every DEWA statement opens with your account number, meter reference and billing period. Below that, you will find consumption details for electricity and water, followed by the individual charges that add up to your total.

Electricity and Water Charges

Electricity appears first in fils per kWh. For residential villas the slab rate starts at 23 fils for the first 2,000 kWh, then 34 fils up to 4,000 kWh and 45 fils above that. Apartments pay a flat 23 fils per kWh until 4,000 kWh, then 34 fils. Water is charged per imperial gallon. The first 5,000 gallons cost 6.5 fils, the next 5,000 cost 8.5 fils and anything above costs 10 fils.

Fuel Surcharge and Sewerage

A fuel surcharge of 0.6 fils per kWh is added to cover generation costs. Sewerage is calculated at 85 percent of your water consumption and billed at 3.5 fils per imperial gallon. Both items appear on every monthly bill unless your property is exempt.

Housing Fee and Government Levies

The housing fee equals 5 percent of the combined electricity and water charges. You will also see the 10 fils Knowledge Dirham and the 10 fils Innovation Dirham. These two fixed fees support education and research initiatives and cannot be waived.

Reading Your Meter and Payment Options

DEWA reads meters every 30 days. You can submit your own reading through the DEWA app or website between the 25th and 28th of each month to avoid estimates. Payment is due within 21 days. Late payment adds a 2 percent fee after 30 days and possible disconnection after 60 days. Accepted methods include bank transfer, debit card and cash at authorised outlets.

Reducing Your DEWA Bill

Check for leaks, replace old AC filters and set the thermostat to 24 degrees Celsius. Enrol in DEWA's green tariff if your building qualifies. Compare your monthly kWh use with the previous year to spot unusual spikes early.

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Frequently asked questions

When is the DEWA bill issued each month?

DEWA issues bills on the same date every month based on your meter reading cycle.

How long do I have to pay my DEWA bill?

You have 21 days from the issue date before late fees apply.

Can I submit my own meter reading?

Yes, submit readings via the DEWA app between the 25th and 28th of each month.

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