Power disconnection for not paying bills only after notice period: Fewa
ras al khaimah — The Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa) has clarified that power connections are never disconnected all of a sudden, and is cut only after a 51-day notice period. The explanation followed complaints from some customers that the authority disconnected power from their houses without notice, for failing to pay pending bills.
Mohammed Saleh, directorgeneral of Fewa, said they followed certain procedures before finally disconnecting power, in case of failure to pay pending bills. “This can happen only after 51 days from the first notice.”
“Fewa initially sends SMS and e-mails to all customers who have updated their details with the authority,” he explained. “Printed bills are also sent to all customers on a monthly basis after the consumption readings are collected by our staff meter readers.”
He said that the entity never disconnected power unless the outstanding consumption exceeds the due credit limit. “Further, a 51-day grace period is given before disconnection,” he said. “Also, electricity is reconnected immediately after making payment of the dues.”
Emirati nationals and residents had earlier complained that Fewa has recently disconnected power from their houses because they did not pay their pending bills.
Abdullah Al Mutawea, an Emirati, said the power was disconnected from his house before the end of the month when he did not collect his salary. “I was in a big problem as I could not pay the bill.”
He urged the officials concerned
Fewa initially sends SMS and e-mails to all customers who have updated their details with the authority. Printed bills are also sent to all customers.”
Mohammed Saleh Director-general of Fewa
to make such disconnections at the beginning of the month so that payments could be facilitated alongside. “It would be better if Fewa bills are associated with our bank accounts so they can be automatically deducted.” Saeed Salem, a resident of Al Rams area, said that the power was suddenly disconnected from his house without any notice. “When I approached Fewa, they blamed the disconnection on my failure to pay pending bills. This is the first time I was late in payment because I was abroad,” he said. “There should be a new mechanism for disconnecting power: either giving a phone call or sending an SMS to customers before disconnecting electricity.”
Adel Burham, an Egyptian resident, also said he did not see the disconnection notice Fewa sent to him on the printed monthly bill. “I did receive the bill, but didn’t open it,” he said. “It would be much better if we are alerted by phone call or SMS.” Mohammed Saleh, an Emirati, said the power was disconnected at his aged mother’s house. “She was not aware of the disconnection notice printed on the bill,” he said. “I immediately paid the outstanding amount and the power was reinstated.”