Residents start reducing water and electricity use
Many residents in Doha have started conserving water and saving electricity after the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) revised its rates upward with effect from September 2015.
Kahramaa has introduced a new slab system for electricity and water tariffs, leading to higher bills for many users.
The water tariff which remained the same at QR4.40 per cubic metre for consumers big and small earlier has been replaced by a slab system whereby customers will be charged on the basis of their consumption.
Customers still have to pay only QR4.40 per cubic metre for up to 20 cubic metres of water. Those who consume more will have to pay according to the following slab: QR5.40 per cubic metre for 20 -50 cubic metres, QR6.40 for 50-100 cubic metres and QR7.40 for 100-150 cubic metres.
For electricity also, a similar hike has been effected. While the tariffs differed only after 4,000kwh earlier, now the minimum rate of QR0.08/kwh is applicable only to consumption up to 2,000kwh.
Thereafter the revised rate of QR0.09/kwh will be charged up to consumption of 4,000kwh. Those using more than 4,000kwh, have to pay QR0.10 per additional unit. There are additional slabs for every 2,000kwh.
Many residents have already adopted various conservation measures to reduce their electricity bills.
Simple measures like changing all the bulbs in the flat into 'energy-efficient' fluorescent type, boiling water for coffee or tea on the gas stove instead of using a 2,000-watt electric kettle and using a good fabric softener instead of ironing everytime have been adapted by residents in order to conserve electricity.
A family residing in East Al Hilal has adopted simple yet effective measures like less usage of high-wattage appliances, making sure that air-conditioning units, power outlets and other home appliances are switched off when not in use.
A senior member of the family said they had bought a 2,200-watt vacuum cleaner last month. But after their Kahraama bill had doubled in October, they decided to go back to mopping.
A Filipino expatriate who stays in Barwa Commercial Avenue, said their janitor now switched on fewer lights at the garage and the hallway. To conserve water, he reduces the pressure at certain times of the day.
An official of one of the biggest malls in Qatar told Gulf Times that they were instructed to replace all their bulbs into LED and fluorescent ones which consume less electricity.
The Qatar government has been encouraging residents to reduce water and energy use through Kahraama’s Tarsheed campaign. [Gulf Times]
The good thing about Qatar is that the locals and residents generally are quick to get on board with the government and its plans/initiatives...they trust the government and don't resist and whine the way some other Gulf residents do...well done and lets all pitch in to reduce our consumption...win win situation any way you slice it..
Great move. Well done
We should use efficient solar powered lights for most homes, especially for outdoor areas. Authorities can promote the use of such items and import them from overseas. Huge solar panels can be placed on top to accumulate reserve electricity and when it is all used, then it can switch to normal electricity. Place like Qatar, where weather is sunny most of the time can benefit from this. But I have yet to see any initiative to promote the use of solar energy here. Personally, I am using few solar powered lights to save electricity and also inserted filters for my faucets and shower head to efficient use the water.