Abu Dhabi will raise water and electricity tariffs for residential consumers of the UAE capital and also the neighbouring Al Ain region, starting from January 1.

Tariffs will be hiked by between 10 and 40 per cent, state news agency Wam quoted Abu Dhabi’s Regulation and Supervision Bureau as saying.

The move is aimed at encouraging the efficient use of water and electricity and protect the natural resources in Abu Dhabi for future generations, said the bureau.

The tariff changes are being brought in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) and Al Ain Distribution Company (AADC).

It will help raise awareness on the importance of reducing consumption to support the sustainable growth of the emirate  and ensure supply of water and electricity and securing its resources and its diversification, said Saif Al Qubaisi, the Bureau’s acting director general.

He pointed out that the smart use of natural resources was one of the guiding principles for Abu Dhabi.

"Over the past few months, we have been actively raising awareness of the importance of conserving our precious resources for future generations. The restructuring of tariffs will help drive understanding of the true value of water and electricity which, in turn, supports the sustainable growth of the Abu Dhabi," noted Al Qubaisi.

The changes to the tariff structurem, he stated, were part of a wider initiative aimed at driving behavioural change in how water and electricity are currently consumed in the emirate.

"We all have a part to play in reducing consumption. With small changes to our daily habits we can make a big difference, especially if we all act together," he added.

In March 2012, new water and electricity bills were introduced to allow better understanding and at-a-glance visibility of whether usage was ideal average - ‘in the green’, or above ideal average – ‘in the red’.  Following tariff changes, staying ‘in the green’ is the cost-effective and sustainable option, said the top official.

The distribution companies, ADDC and AADC will be helping customers by implementing new water and electricity conservation initiatives through an awareness strategy that will help instill a culture to conserve these precious resources.

Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, the executive director of customer service at ADDC, pointed out that customer satisfaction was one of the most important criteria in assessing institutional performance.

"We are working hard to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction that is apparent in the quality of our services and staff efficiency in the customer service contact centres. Our staff is available around the clock to answer all customer questions related to the new tariff structure and help customers manage their consumption using simple conservation tips available on our website," he added.

Commenting on the move, Abdulla Al Sheryani, the customer service director at AADC, said the company was ready to implement the new tariffs for water and electricity, both efficiently and effectively to help customers understand the proposed new structure and how it will affect them.

“We encourage customers to use all our services, especially ‘Estisharat’ to help identify easy ways to reduce consumption and stay ‘in the green’. Similar to ADDC, our customer service centres are equipped and staffed by teams who have all the knowledge to answer customer questions and find solutions,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service