Curb power use at peak times, provider urges

‘Use oven and wash clothes in evenings and mornings only’

DUBAI // Families have been urged to limit the electricity they use in the afternoon to save energy this summer. Washing clothes, cooking with electric ovens and switching on water heaters for showers should be avoided between midday and 6pm, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority said.

Energy demand rises significantly in the summer when children are off school for two months and air conditioning is often used around the clock.

“The ultimate goal is to encourage energy conservation among all members of society and promote the sensible use of resources as a social culture and daily practice,” said Saeed Al Tayer, chief executive of the authority.

“Launching this annual campaign is part of our ongoing efforts to consolidate environmental sustainability and sustainable development of Dubai and the UAE.

“This is done by rationalising the use of electricity, water and natural resources, and urging people to adopt a conscious and responsible way of life to ensure the sustainability of natural resources for generations to come.”

The appeal comes as part of the authority’s “Let’s Make this Summer Green” campaign, which is aimed at raising aware- ness about the importance of sustainable living and careful use of power to preserve natural resources and reduce Dubai’s carbon footprint.

“These efforts also support the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy to reduce energy demand by 30 per cent by 2030,” Mr Al Tayer said.

The authority said its initiatives had reduced residential use of power by 19 per cent and water by 28 per cent between 2009 and last year.

Commercial use of electricity was reduced by 10 per cent and water by 30 per cent.

Sharjah has had power cuts during past summers, but they have declined as better infrastructure has been developed and power generators were added to the network.

This month, the Butainah district of Sharjah city suffered a power cut for more than four hours overnight. The emirate’s power authority, Sewa, said that this was linked to a technical fault and ageing materials in some buildings, which are now being upgraded, and not a broader shortage.