Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
In an interview with Aletihad, Khaled Alkatheeri, Vice President of Sustainability at TAQA Distribution, shared electricity consumption tips for the peak summer months.
Alkatheeri emphasised the importance of appliance efficiency ratings, saying, “Appliance efficiency ratings such as the star ratings issued by Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) have a measurable effect on energy consumption. For example, a 4- or 5-star rated AC consumes on average 30% less electricity compared to a 1-star unit, while providing the same cooling output.”
He pointed out that air conditioners remain UAE households’ biggest culprits of energy waste during the hot months.
“We recommend our customers to ensure that their ACs are maintained regularly, especially ahead of the summer.
“Maintain ACs and clean filters, set thermostats to 23 or 24 degrees, increase by one degree when leaving the room, seal doors and windows, use curtains or shades, and educate family members and domestic helpers by visiting the Tarsheed website and our social media handles.”
He also noted the incorrect use of ACs - including neglecting maintenance, setting ACs to low temperatures - waste energy, shorten AC lifespan and reduce reliability.Alkatheeri encouraged residents to visit the Tarsheed website - a valuable resource for tips on water and electricity conservation.
He said, “TAQA Distribution regularly publishes useful tips and recommendations on our social media channels to inform our customers… We encourage the customers to follow our social media channels and also engage in our campaigns.”
Alkatheeri added that smart home technologies can further boost efficiency.
“Smart thermostats, for example, can be connected to mobile phones and offer capabilities such as AC remote control, programmable schedules, and temperature adjustments based on user location. If used properly, it will contribute to great electricity savings. Other helpful devices include smart lighting, smart plugs and smart power strips.”
Sharing practical tips for families, Alkatheeri said: “Read through and understand your bill issued by TAQA Distribution… analyse your consumption pattern over the last 12 months to see where the consumption has increased.
Other tips on the website include:
Simple, impactful energy and water-saving habits that support sustainability at home. These include setting air conditioners to 24C, switching to LED lights and unplugging unused devices.
Residents are encouraged to turn off taps while brushing teeth, shorten showers, use eco-cycles on appliances, check for leaks, run dishwashers only when full, as well as water gardens during cooler hours.
Sustainability Summer Programme
During the summer, TAQA Distribution offers incentive-based and educational Sustainability Summer Programme, which highlights the company’s integrated approach to sustainability.
The award-winning initiative aims to educate the youth and wider community on energy and water conservation.
“We do what is right for our environment, community and people,” Alkatheeri said, noting that sustainability is embedded in the Abu Dhabi energy and utilities group’s core values.
A key example is the Sustainability Summer Programme, tailored to students aged 14 to 18 (grades 9 to 12), across Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra and Al Ain.
“Last year, 61 students successfully completed the programme,” he said.
“This initiative educates them on energy and water insights and conservation practices, as well as other informative segments.”
This programme is not only educational, but also interactive. Towards the end of the course, participating youth are awarded certificates of completion and giveaways, which fosters engagement and recognition.
Alkatheeri added: “We are very proud and honoured that this initiative has won the Best Sustainability Initiative category at the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Awards 2025, organised by Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group (ADSG), part of Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).”
