DEWA to Implement Cubic Metre for Water Billing from March 2025

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority has announced a significant change in its water consumption measurement, transitioning from the imperial gallon to the cubic metre starting with the March 2025 billing cycle. This move aligns with Cabinet Resolution No. of 2023 and Ministerial Resolution No. of 2024, issued by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, which mandate the discontinuation of the imperial gallon unit in water meters across the UAE.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, emphasized the importance of this transition, stating that adopting the cubic metre as a uniform and globally recognized measurement unit is a significant step towards enhancing alignment with international best practices. He noted that this change would facilitate benchmarking across sectors and support DEWA’s efforts to provide world-class services, ultimately benefiting customers and stakeholders.

To ensure a smooth transition, DEWA has confirmed that the current smart meters installed for customers are already compatible with the cubic metre measurement system, eliminating the need for any changes to customers’ meters. During the preparatory phase, DEWA will include both units in water bills and on the customer dashboard. The final adoption of the new unit will take effect with the March 2025 billing cycle. Customers will be informed of the change through official communication channels.

This initiative reflects DEWA’s commitment to adhering to local and international regulations to ensure services meet the highest standards of quality, efficiency, reliability, and availability. By aligning with international best practices, DEWA aims to enhance its leadership in innovation and sustainability.

The adoption of the cubic metre as the standard unit for measuring water consumption is expected to provide customers with a clearer understanding of their water usage, promoting more efficient consumption patterns. This change also aligns DEWA with other utilities in the UAE, fostering a unified approach to resource management across the nation.

In the lead-up to the March 2025 implementation, DEWA plans to engage in extensive customer outreach to ensure that all users are well-informed about the upcoming changes. This will include detailed explanations of the new billing units and guidance on interpreting water consumption data in cubic metres.

The shift from the imperial gallon to the cubic metre is part of a broader strategy to modernize utility services in Dubai. By standardizing measurement units, DEWA aims to improve transparency in billing and enhance customer satisfaction.