How to find new ways to save on utility costs
I am writing about the rise in utility prices in Abu Dhabi ( Abu Dhabi residents face utility price rises, November 17). Water and electricity have always been subsidised and so what we pay now is not what the services actually cost.
The whole world is struggling financially and if the subsidy levels slightly are changing, we should still be thankful that we are paying less for our utilities than many other countries. Our costs could be triple or higher if we lived in another place.
Moreover, we are paying less without having to pay income taxes and that fact seems to escape people.
I don’t think that these decisions are made just to raise money. They are designed to curb consumption.
This is critical in a country where many people don’t even pay attention to their consumption habits. Arsalan Al Hashimi, Abu Dhabi
Because the country receives so much direct sunlight, a solar plan for the entire city would be the most efficient solution for both revenue and energy.
A completely solar panelled house could run a city block with the amount of sunlight here. The technology of solar panels has evolved so far that the lack of solar use for private homes is a missed opportunity.
With other cost of living issues increases, these price rises will certainly hurt a number of residents and put owners in a bind if people begin to leave the country. Diana Phelps, Dubai
The majority of residents in Abu Dhabi live in rented accommodation and so many have no choice on the type of air conditioning, water pumps, pipes, heaters that are in our home.
If we wanted to use solar panels, it would be difficult to get permission. That means that many people can’t change their monthly bills, even if they wanted to try. Michael Bradley, Abu Dhabi I would love to hear more details from authorities about why this increase is taking place right now. Robert Bradley, Abu Dhabi