Dewa paper bills now a thing of the past
UTILITY PROVIDER GOES GREEN WITH ELECTRONIC BILLING
The last of paper utility bills were recently mailed to customers, who will hereafter only receive electronic bills in Dubai. Along with the last paper bill this month, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) sent a letter notifying customers of the switch to digital Green Bills. Even the envelope said “Goodbye” in at least 10 languages.
There had been earlier announcements as well by Dewa.
The state utility provider has said the move follows its commitment to the environment and smart services.
The new Green Bill will be an electronic version of the paper bill that can be viewed on the registered customer’s email, Dewa smart mobile app and website.
Emails and texts had been sent to alert customers about the change. Customers can sign up for the Green Bill on customer.dewa.gov.ae, on its website (dewa.gov.ae) or its Dewa Smart App.
According to the Dewa website, it had 677,751 electricity consumers and 605,178 water consumers in 2014 — all of whom will be sent Green Bills.
Dewa says on its website that the move will help the environment by doing away with the need for paper bills. Physical documents fuel demand to cut down trees in the paper manufacturing process.
It adds that the change will also provide more convenience as the Green Bill will be sent out as soon as it is ready and there will no need to collect any paper bill. Customers will also be able to view the bill anytime, anywhere, and be able to settle the amount online.
The electronic billing and payment system is safer and more efficient, the letter said.
“Green Bills reduce the flow of personal information from unsecured mailboxes, where paper mail can be a target for theft. Green bills are transmitted securely … Green Bill allows you to reduce paper usage that helps to save trees, reduce solid waste and curb the release of greenhouse gases,” Dewa says online.
Cutting CO2 emissions
Dewa customers are conducting millions of transactions through its website and smart app. This helps eliminate tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide that could have resulted from customers travelling to and from Dewa offices.
Dewa provides over 150 services and features through its free smart app alone.