ADDC in Abu Dhabi

When moving into a new place, one of the first things one has to consider is connecting the electricity and water services. In the UAE, each emirate has only one dedicated supplier, and Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) is responsible for distributing high-quality water and electricity to all customers in Abu Dhabi, except for the Al Ain Region. Similar to DEWA in Dubai, it helps commercial and residential clients create accounts, install meters and pay bills, among other services, while ensuring the efficiency, the sustainability and the security of the supply. In the next paragraphs, we will review how ADDC functions, which documents are required to activate an account, key initiatives of the organisation, payment channels and other key features to facilitate your living in Abu Dhabi.

All About ADDC

Established in November 1998, ADDC is a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi International Energy Company (TAQA), a diversified utilities and energy group headquartered in Abu Dhabi. he core business of ADDC is the planning, design, construction and operation of the Abu Dhabi water and electricity distribution network. Its customer base is comprised of 412,450 service agreements for the supply of water or/and electricity, which is distributed to consumers at the 33kV and 11kV levels across three regions: Eastern Region (Mufassah and Baniyas), Western Region (Liwa and Silla), as well as Abu Dhabi Island. In total, ADDC has 2,100 employees and 600,000 service points spread throughout the emirate.

How Does ADDC Work?

Abu Dhabi Distribution Company operates within the overall policy framework set by Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (DoE), which is an entity fully owned by the government. In particular, DoE regulates matters relating to personnel, procurement and financial policy, besides safety, health and environmental criteria. To protect the interests of its customers, Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority also uses a price control mechanism to set a ceiling on the amount of revenue ADDC can recover from its licensed activities.

The supply chain starts from Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), the sole procurer of water and electricity in Abu Dhabi. It is responsible for guaranteeing a secure supply of services to consumers in the emirate by efficiently utilizing Power and Water Purchase Agreements, Bulk Supply Tariffs and Fuel Supply Agreements.
Next, the Abu Dhabi Transmission & Dispatch Company (TRANSCO) is in charge of the safe and reliable transmission of water and electricity from IWWPs to the distribution networks. Alongside Abu Dhabi, TRANSCO operates in Northern Emirates.
Finally, the last mile is managed by ADDC and Al Ain Distribution Company which are responsible for the daily distribution and supply of water and electricity to customers across the emirate.

Services of ADDC

ADDC provides an extensive range of online and offline services which are as follows:

• Extension and connection of electricity services
• Connection of water services
• Transfer and removal of electricity services
• Certificates
• Account management and bills
• Shifting and removal of water services
• Registration of water tankers
• Customer care

How do I Activate My ADDC Account?

In 2015, ADDC linked all its systems to Tawtheeq, an online platform for tenancy contracts, so that electricity and water accounts will be set up automatically upon receiving necessary details. Thus, tenants do not have to complete a separate move in application. It is worth noting that property owners and management companies are required by law to register their tenancy contracts with Tawtheeq, which can be easily and conveniently done online through the website of Abu Dhabi Municipality.

If you are an owner-occupier, or you are a tenant who lives outside the area covered by Tawtheeq, you will have to file a move-in application beforehand to start receiving water and electricity services. The application, both business and residential, is completed online on the ADDC website, where you will have to provide Premise ID and property address, among other details. You can also check its status online at any time. You can create a new account at one of ADDC branches, nevertheless, it is much more simple and less time-consuming to do it online.
You will not be requested to pay any electricity or water charges in advance, however ADDC asks for a refundable security deposit of AED 1,000 (USD 272). This amount will be included in your first bill, and when you decide to close your account, you have a right to either request the refund or transfer it to a new property.

Once your ADDC account is set up, you will be informed by email and SMS.. It usually takes less than two days, and in case you have not received a confirmation, you can call the support team on 800 2332 or contact ADDC via email.

In order to activate your online account, you will have to enter your ADDC account number or your Emirates ID number on the official ADDC website. Once it is done, you will receive a pin code, allowing you to manage the ADDC services at utmost convenience.

Documents Required to Register with ADDC

Below you will find the required documents for residential tenants and owners.

For residential tenants:

Emirates ID
Passport
Tenancy Contract
Previous Account Closing Letter for the property you are moving into

For residential owners:

Emirates ID
Passport
Copy of the Premise ownership deed or the site plan, valid and issued by AD Municipality
Previous Account Closing Letter for the property you are moving into

We have also prepared a list of necessary documents for commercial tenants and owners.

‍For commercial tenants:

Trade license
Right of signature
Tenancy Contract
Previous Account Closing Letter for the property you are moving into

‍For commercial owners:

Trade license
Right of signature
Property purchase contract or site plan
Previous Account Closing Letter for the property you are moving into
Note: in order to obtain a copy of a closing letter, please contact either the landlord or the last occupant of the property.

How to Inform ADDC When You Are Moving Out

To close the ADCC account for the property you are moving out of, you can visit the closest ADDC branch, call the contact center or also complete the necessary steps online.

Here is the step-by-step process to close an account:

First, give ADDC one or two days’ notice when you wish to move out.
If the organization has an up-to-date meter reading, the account can be closed immediately. Otherwise, ADDC will arrange a meter reading in the next one to two days to complete the process promptly once it is done.
You will have to pay your final bill, which is normally ready within a few days of your move out date. Once this has been settled, you will be able to obtain an Account Closing Letter. However, if you need a letter urgently, ADDC can issue an estimated bill based on your previous consumption. After paying it, you can download the letter at once. Since this fee will differ from the final bill amount, any outstanding balance has to be settled before ADDC can close an account.
Once your final bill is fully paid, you will be issued an Account Settlement Letter, confirming that you had an active electricity or water account and there is no outstanding debt. Furthermore, your deposit will also be refunded into your bank account or the ADDC account of another property. There is also the option of donating it to Emirates Red Crescent for charity work.
Finally, you will be emailed an Account Closing Letter, confirming that you are no longer responsible for the electricity and water accounts at the property.

How to Initiate ADDC Bill Payment

Every month you will get an electronic Green Bill, which provides detailed information about your consumption. You can receive it either by email or SMS, mobile app or at www.addc.ae. It is also possible to obtain a bill via all previously mentioned channels at once. You can easily pay an outstanding balance online or by setting up Autopay, among other channels which we will review below.

Since March 2020, ADDC has also introduced a Bill Estimation Program in order to minimize physical meter reading activity amid the COVID-19 pandemic. An estimated bill is based on the amount you normally use, and the bill following your next meter reading will be adjusted to account for previous underpayment or overpayment.

Here are all the ways you can pay your bills:

Pay online. It is a perfect option for a one-off payment, and all you need is your card details.

Set up Autopay. This function has to be set up through your online account and you should also decide on the amount you wish to pay each month. When the payment is due, it will be taken from the card. Autopay is the easiest way to pay your bills when you are abroad.

Use ADDC mobile app. vailable on Android and iPhone/iPad, the app also shows information about consumption, allows you to update your details and so on.

Pay by phone. Contact ADDC on 800 2332 and they will take you through the process step by step. You will be required to provide your account number and credit card details.

Set up Direct Debit. In partnership with the Central Bank of UAE, ADDC offers a convenient way to pay the bills. You can register for this option on the website, mobile app or by calling the contact center. You will be asked about the bank details and then the amount will be debited at every bill issuance.

Note: If you are going away from the UAE for a long time, you can apply for a temporary disconnection or ask a friend to pay your bills.

Alternative Methods to Pay your ADDC Bill

To facilitate the process of paying for their services, ADDC also makes it possible to use numerous other methods, which are as follows:

• MBME kiosks
• ATM machine
• Telephone/Internet banking
• One Prepay at associated grocers and supermarkets

Exchange branches (e.g. LuLu International Exchange, Al Ansari Exchange, Lari Exchange, Al Fardan Exhange and Index Exchange)

Account registered on the Abu Dhabi Government Services – TAMM Portal

Note: Since June 2021, ADDC has been partnering with First Abu Dhabi Bank and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank to offer flexible payment plans at zero interest, allowing customers to easily manage ADDC bills of AED 1,000 (USD 272) or more. FAB is offering a payment plan for up to 12 months, while in ADCB there are available options of instalment plans of 3 or 6 months. For more information, please contact the previously mentioned banks.

ADDC Service Rates

Water and electricity tariffs depend on many factors, including the type of property you live in, whether you are an expat or a UAE national and how much you consume. The residential rates are divided into two different categories, which will affect your bill: the Green Band and the Red Band. The Green Band is charged at a lower rate, up to a set daily allowance based on a calculated ideal average consumption. If you overstep the limit, then you will be charged at a higher Red Band rate. Moreover, in case you reside in a villa, you will receive a higher Green Band allowance as opposed to an apartment. The cost of utilities for apartments can be divided as follows:

For expats:

Water: AED 7.84 (USD 2.13)/cubic meter up to 0.7 cubic meter day or AED 10.41 (USD 2.83)/cubic meter over 0.7 cubic meter/day

Electricity: Fils 26.8 (USD 0.074)/kWh up to 20 kWh/day or Fils 30.5 (USD 0.084)/kWh over 20 KWh/day

For UAE Nationals:

Water: AED 2.09 (USD 0.57)/1 cubic meter up to 0.7 cubic meter/day or AED 2.60 (USD 0.71)/KWh over 30 KWh/day

Electricity: Fils 6.7 (USD 0.19)/kWh up to 30 KWh/day or Fils 7.5 (USD 0.19) KWh/day over 400KWh/day

For the villa, the prices of utilities are as follows:

As of August 2021, the Department of Energy has required all citizens to install sub-meters on EV chargers in private homes and commercial buildings. In addition, under the control of ADDC and AADC, a flat rate was determined for all registered devices. Thus, a flat rate of AED 92 (USD 25) has been added to ADDC/AADC monthly bills since August 26, and a flat rate of 30 fils (USD 0.082) per kilowatt hour comes into effect when the charger installation is completed. In turn, owners of private chargers have a grace period until December 31, 2021 to install a sub-meter.

Key Initiatives by ADDC

ADDC is oriented at protecting the interests of its customers, achieving reductions in water and electricity consumption and building a smart, integrated and sustainable distribution network to drive sustainability across the emirate. It is known for three key initiatives to make this vision become a reality: Tarsheed, Direct Debt Improvements and ISTMRAR.

Tarsheed

Tarsheed is a comprehensive demand side management program that was launched in 2017 by ADDC and AADC during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. It is focused on helping consumers understand the impact of water and electricity usage on the environment and country as a whole. The goals of Tarsheed are in line with Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030 to reduce consumption per capita by 20% by 2030, which equates to:

Reduced GHF emissions equivalent to taking over 808,000 cars off the road

Enough water each year to fill 67,600 Olympic pools

Annual electric consumption of more than 107,000 villas

Peak output of Barakah Nuclear Plant Unit #1

In Q1 2020, ADDC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with LuLu International Group to attract customers to energy-efficient products. The Green Corner initiative is available in selected locations in Lulu’s Abu Dhabi and Al Ain stores.

Direct Debit Improvements

Effective from March 2021, customers of ADDC are given extra time before Direct Debit deducts the billed amount from their accounts. Instead of the Direct Debit acting on the billing date, it will be acting onto the statement date with a grace period of ten days before the deduction takes place. Customers will be notified of the Direct Debit amount and date along their statements. They will also receive an email and SMS message one day before the transaction takes place. Meanwhile, consumers will be informed in case of an unsuccessful transaction so that they can ensure a sufficient amount is available and the Direct Debit will be retried after three days.

You can apply for Direct Debit via service and contact centers, banks, mobile apps, express service devices and the official website of ADDC. Besides an active ADDC account and sufficient bank account balance each month, there is a set of documents required as well:

• Valid Emirates ID for individual accounts
• Valid trade license/Emirates ID for non-residential accounts
• IBAN from the bank, from which the deduction will take place

Also, in the case of an automatic registration method, you will be asked to sign an initial registration application. If you choose a manual registration method, then you will have to sign a direct debit request. The entire procedure takes two working days.

ISTMRAR

ISTMRAR was launched in collaboration with the UAE Central Bank to provide a fast, easy and secure method to facilitate and enhance monthly payments by providing the automatic collection of due water and electricity bills. By signing up to ISTMRAR, customers are also given an option of activating a fixed bill service, which calculates the monthly average of the bill. The estimated amount will be then taken every month for one year during summer and winter periods.

How to Contact ADDC?

In case of emergencies you can contact the ADDC support team on 800 ADDC (800 2332), where the code 991 stands for water issues and 992 for electricity issues. You can also visit the nearest branch or a pay point, the full list of which is to be found on the official website of ADDC.

Meanwhile, for international customers the telephone number is +971 2419 1100 from anywhere outside the UAE. It is worth noting that these contacts can be used for regular requests or queries as well.

As for online options, they include:

• Real-time chat facilities
• Submit enquiry
• Email at contactcentre@addc.ae

Message ADDC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

ADDC Careers

ADDC is constantly on the lookout for new employees, both technical and non-technical, as it strives to become one of the leading companies in the world. Among other perks, the salary package includes accommodation, private medical insurance and annual tickets. You can check the up-to-date vacancy list on the ADDC website and apply at career@addc.ae together with your CV and the job title of the position. For new workers, ADDC provides a comprehensive induction program, which helps employees understand career responsibilities and what is expected of them within a short period.

Also, ADDC has an internship program for students to complement the formal education with career-related industry experience. It is perfect for developing a new set of skills, establishing useful contacts and bolstering career possibilities. There are two program types: volunteering and work placements. To apply for an internship, you have to register via the ADDC website, where you will be required to provide your cumulative GPA, university name, a scan of Emirates ID and a transcript, besides other personal details.

FAQs

How Can I Get a Copy of My ADDC Electricity Bill?

It is possible to download a bill from an online ADDC account and print it out at any time.

How do I Transfer My ADDC Account?

You can transfer your ADDC account via service centers or their website, it will take 49 days. Below you will find a set of required documents to initiate the procedure:

Competency Certificate from the contractor

Letter of assignment from the owner to the contractor

Undertaking from the contractor approved by ADDC to transfer electrical services

Steps to obtain the service:

Approve the quotation issued by ADDC.

Open the request for transfer of services.

Review the application.

Approving the proposal route from the municipality.

Issue a work order.

Execute a work order.

Close the application.

Note: categories eligible for this service include residential, commercial, industrial, governmental and agricultural.

Are There Any Other Electricity Providers in the UAE?

Besides ADDC, there are the following electricity providers in the Emirates:



Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is responsible for the supply within the borders of Dubai.

Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWGA) operates within the territory of Sharjah.

Etihad Water and Electricity (Etihad WE) provides its services all over the Northern Emirates (Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman).

Al Ain Distribution Company (AADC) is the sole distributor and supplier in the Eastern Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (Al Ain City and its surrounding rural areas).

Is the UAE Working on Renewable Energy?

As the UAE prioritizes investment in clean fuel as a part of its energy transition efforts, it has been launching numerous initiatives during the last several years in particular. The country is looking to increase the share of clean energy to 44% by 2050 and plans to invest AED 600b (USD 163b) to reduce reliance on natural gas and diversify its power sources.

In fact, Dubai has a strategy in place for providing 75% of power capacity from clean energy resources by 2050 and becoming a global hub for clean energy and green economy. Thus, the world’s largest solar energy park is being built in the emirate, which is expected to generate 5,000 megawatts of electricity by 2030 and is estimated to drive up AED 50b (USD 13.6b) in investments. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is being developed by DEWA, Expo 2020 and Siemens Energy and in September 2021, the Tesla battery system was inaugurated.

Abu Dhabi, which accounts for a major amount of the UAE’s oil production, is also working on numerous renewable energy projects. One of these is a solar plant at Al Dhafra with a total capacity of two gigawatts to boost the ratio of clean power. Moreover, in January 2021, ADNOC, Mubadala and ADQ created an alliance to develop a hydrogen economy in the UAE, focusing on low-carbon blue and green hydrogen. By 2022, the world’s largest sea water reverse osmosis desalination plant at Taweelah Power and Water Complex will be completed, about 164,000 ft north of Abu Dhabi. It will set a world record by utilizing the lowest amount of energy per gallon of desalinated water produced.

Summary

When you are registered for Tawtheeq, your ADDC account is automatically set up, so all you have to do is to activate it online.

The deposit of AED 1,000 (USD 272) is fully or partially refunded upon closing an ADDC account, and it depends on your balance at the time.

In order to support its customers, ADDC offers Direct Debit Improvements and flexible payment plans as well in collaboration with FAB and ADCB.

All the ADDC services, including paying bills, updating details and even applying for internship, among others, are easily available online on the official website.

The UAE is set to become home to the world’s largest sea water reverse osmosis desalination plant and the world’s largest solar park.