DEWA’s Green Bill supports Smart Dubai Initiative

Dubai - MENA Herald: DEWA announced the initial launch of the Green Bill in July 2012 to enhance its efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainability. The Green Bill is an electronic version of the regular paper bill, which customers will receive through monthly emails.
The service was launched, on an optional basis, in August 2012, in support of the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote sustainable development in Dubai.
“The Green Bill is a valuable addition to DEWA’s achievements as it reflects one of the main objectives of the 4th generation government excellence system. It also supports the directives of our wise leadership to promote the happiness of customers and develop all the government services by transforming them to smart services. Through this initiative, DEWA continues its efforts to increase operational efficiency, protect the environment, promote sustainability, improve the quality of smart services, and streamline, simplify and speed up services to customers, any time and from any place,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
“DEWA has educated the public and increased awareness about the benefits of Green Bill. DEWA also conducted an institutional study to measure customer interaction and willingness to use the Green Bill, since it observed strong acceptance to the service,” added Al Tayer.
“DEWA adopts the latest technology to provide the best possible services to its customers. We are committed to upholding international standards in preserving the environment, and the Green Bill builds on our strategy to preserve the country’s natural resources, as it reduces paper use, which is a fundamental step towards keeping trees, preserving environment, reducing carbon dioxide emissions that cause global warming. This is a part of Dubai’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions by 16% by 2021, also the objectives of UAE Vision 2021, and Dubai Plan 2021,” pointed out Al Tayer.
“DEWA re-designed its Green Bill in April 2015, to provide customers with information about their electricity and water. It also contains tips and information to manage their use. The total number of customers receiving the green bill reached 738.360, representing 97.13% of the total number of DEWA’s customers as of June 30, 2016,” noted Al Tayer.
“DEWA’s Green Bill initiative was implemented in phases. During phase 1, we analysed the situation, and prepared and developed the Green Bill programme. We then formed an internal team to test the new system. This was followed by a soft launch for a limited number of customers. During phase 2, the initiative was optional to customers who registered their email addresses, via DEWA’s eService Portal. Marketing campaigns were organised to promote the initiative among a larger number of customers, to speed up the implementation of the Green Bill.”
During phase 3, the initiative was made available to government organisations, federal ministries, and companies that have 9 or more registered accounts (collective billing).
The Green Bill became mandatory to all customers during phase 4 of the initiative. DEWA then launched the (Ashal) service, to provide information about the Green Bill and help customers to register for the service.”
“DEWA’s Green Bill uses less paper while helping to preserve the number of trees, and protect the environment. It also contributes to reducing solid waste and carbon dioxide emissions that cause global warming.
Since the launch of the Green Bill, the transformation has helped DEWA eliminate over 1,083.14 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions (from October 2012 to May 2016),” said Al Tayer.
Green Bill meets the following standards. It is Easy and convenient: Customers can access the bill, monitor consumption, and pay their bills online, anytime, anywhere. It’s Fast: The Green Bill is sent as soon as it is issued, avoiding any delay that may occur in the postal service. It’s Organised: Customers have a complete archive of all monthly bills and amounts paid electronically. It’s Secure: Green Bills are sent securely, reducing the risk of any personal information being shared. Most importantly, it’s Environmentally-friendly: Green Bills reduce the amount of paper used, helping protect the environment. It also contributes to reducing solid waste and carbon dioxide emissions that cause global warming,” continued Al Tayer.
“DEWA is always ready to share its expertise will all government and private organisations, locally, regionally, and globally. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasised that the UAE development model is accessible to all and 'our doors are open for sisterly and friendly people. DEWA has already presented its Green Bill to several visiting delegations,” concluded Al Tayer.