Keeping your DEWA account in order is the easiest way to stay comfortable, compliant, and connected. You’ll find that a few smart setup steps, predictable payment habits, and light consumption tweaks go a long way toward avoiding late fees and disconnection in Dubai.

Start right: set up your DEWA account correctly

When you move in, activate your DEWA connection as soon as you have your tenancy in place. If your Ejari is registered, DEWA’s One Step Move-in typically picks it up automatically—you’ll receive an SMS and a welcome email with your account details without submitting extra documents.

• Activation timeline: new connections are generally live in about 15 hours after approval.
• Where to activate: DEWA website or DEWA Smart App (Move-in/Activation of Electricity & Water). You can complete it with or without login.

Know your deposits and fees

Item	Typical amount	Notes
Refundable security deposit	AED 2,000 (apartments) / AED 4,000 (villas)	Refundable on disconnection or transferable when you move within Dubai
Activation fee	AED 130	Charged on new connections
Knowledge fee	AED 10
Innovation fee	AED 10
Meter fees (if applicable)	Approx. AED 100–300	Varies by meter type/size
Eligible discounts	50% for Thukher & Sanad cardholders	On select activation/disconnection fees (check current terms)

Understand your bill so it never surprises you

• Tariff slabs: your rate per unit changes by consumption band—staying within lower slabs keeps costs predictable.

Utility	Slab	Rate
Electricity	0–2,000 kWh	AED 0.230/kWh
Electricity	2,000–4,000 kWh	AED 0.280/kWh
Electricity	4,000–6,000 kWh	AED 0.320/kWh
Electricity	6,000+ kWh	AED 0.380/kWh
Water	0–27 m³	AED 7.700/m³
Water	27–54 m³	AED 8.800/m³
Water	54+ m³	AED 10.120/m³

• Dubai Municipality housing fee: 5% of your property’s annual rental value is billed via DEWA—factor it into your monthly budget.
• Green Bill: opt in for paperless bills so you never miss a statement and can archive everything in your inbox.

Pay on time: channels, alerts, and auto-pay that just work

Payment channels

• DEWA website/DEWA Smart App: fastest way to view and pay DEWA bills online.
• Quick Pay (without login): settle dues with your account or premise number—convenient if you don’t want to sign in.
• Banks and approved partners: bank transfer and supported third-party channels are available.
• Pay for someone else: you can pay a friend’s/family member’s DEWA bill if you have their account number.

Set-and-forget habits

• Enable all SMS/email notifications in your profile and keep your contact details current.
• Add calendar reminders 3–5 days before the due date.
• Use scheduled payments or your bank’s standing instructions if available; otherwise, use the app’s reminders.

Know the timeline: reminders, grace period, and reconnection

• Missed due date: DEWA typically sends 3 reminders before disconnection.
• Grace period: about 14 days from the due date, after which services may be disconnected for non-payment.
• Reconnection: once you settle outstanding dues (and any late payment fines), service is usually restored within ~4 hours.
• Disconnection/activation fee notes: standard fees apply; Thukher and Sanad cardholders may receive a 50% discount on select fees.

Cut consumption to stay within lower slabs (and lower bills)

• AC setpoint: aim for 24–26°C; every degree below 24°C can noticeably increase costs.
• Block heat: close curtains/blinds during peak sun to reduce cooling load.
• Fix leaks quickly: water usage can push you into higher slabs fast.
• Full loads only: run dishwashers/washers when full; use eco modes.
• Unplug idle electronics: cut standby consumption.
• Use Away Mode: if you’re traveling, enable DEWA’s Away Mode and monitor the app for unusual spikes.

Moving home? Choose transfer vs disconnection wisely

Within Dubai, use DEWA’s Move-to (transfer) service to relocate your utilities and transfer your security deposit to the new premises, avoiding service gaps. If you’re vacating without a new Dubai address, request a disconnection (deactivation) and settle the final bill.

DEWA transfer (Move-to)

• Request via the website/app (with or without login).
• Provide your new premises details and preferred activation date.
• Your existing deposit can be transferred to the new account (top up if required for a villa).

DEWA disconnection (move-out)

• Request online, via the DEWA Smart App, or at a Customer Happiness Centre.
• Select your move-out date; DEWA captures a final meter reading and issues a final bill within ~24 hours.
• Your refundable deposit is adjusted against any dues; any balance is refunded by bank transfer or cheque.
• For support, use Hayak Live Chat via the DEWA website.

Note: You don’t transfer the physical connection between properties—you initiate a transfer or a fresh activation. For ownership changes, use the change of ownership path.

If you can’t pay on time, act before the grace period ends

• Pay something now: clear as much as possible immediately through the app/website, then settle the rest quickly.
• Trim usage today: raise AC setpoint, close curtains, and switch off non-essentials to keep the current bill down.
• If already disconnected: settle the total outstanding and any late payment fines for reconnection within ~4 hours.

Small admin habits that prevent big headaches

• Keep your profile updated: active phone number and email for alerts and urgent notices.
• Go paperless: save your monthly Green Bill emails to a dedicated folder for easy reference.
• Validate tenancy: ensure Ejari is valid and matches your occupancy dates.
• For businesses: keep your trade license and authorized signatory details up to date to avoid processing delays.

FAQs: quick answers to common DEWA questions

• How long does a new activation take? About 15 hours after approval, in typical cases.
• What happens if I miss a payment? You’ll receive 3 reminders and have a 14‑day grace period before potential disconnection.
• How fast is reconnection after I pay? Usually within ~4 hours of settling all dues.
• Can I disconnect without login? Yes—use Quick Services/without login on the DEWA website/app and provide your account details.
• Can I pay someone else’s DEWA bill? Yes, if you have their account or premise number through approved payment channels.
• Are deposits refundable? Yes—after disconnection and final bill settlement; or transfer your deposit when you use Move‑to within Dubai.
• What documents are required for connection? For tenants: Ejari and ID details; for owners: title deed and ID; for businesses: trade license and authorized signatory details (check DEWA for the latest list).
• What are the fees right now? Common items include the refundable deposit (AED 2,000 apartment / AED 4,000 villa), activation fee (AED 130), knowledge fee (AED 10), innovation fee (AED 10), and any applicable meter fees. Fees and tariffs can change; always verify on DEWA’s site/app.

Monthly checklist to avoid DEWA disconnection

• Open your latest Green Bill email and scan the due date and amount.
• Compare last month’s consumption against the slab thresholds.
• Pay via the DEWA Smart App or website at least a few days before the due date.
• Confirm SMS/email reminders are enabled and your contact info is current.
• Traveling? Turn on Away Mode and check the app weekly.
• Moving? Schedule your Move‑to (transfer) or disconnection and plan deposit handling at least a week ahead.

Key timelines at a glance

• Activation: ~15 hours after approval.
• Reminders: 3 notifications after the due date.
• Grace period: ~14 days from the due date before potential disconnection.
• Reconnection: ~4 hours after full payment.
• Final bill (move‑out): typically within 24 hours of your selected date.

Where to manage everything

• DEWA website: pay bills, request activation/disconnection/transfer, deposit refunds, account updates.
• DEWA Smart App: fastest payments, Green Bill, Away Mode, Move‑in/Move‑out/Move‑to requests.
• Customer Happiness Centres: in‑person assistance and documents.
• Hayak Live Chat: quick support via the DEWA website.

Tip: Treat your DEWA account like an essential subscription—automate where possible, monitor usage, and respond quickly to reminders. Processes, fees, and discounts can change; always verify the latest details on DEWA’s website or app.