Dubai's DEWA sets $3.76bn budget for 2013

Dubai's state utility said on Saturday that its budget for 2013 has been marginally increased compared to last year.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) said its budget was estimated at AED13.835bn ($3.76bn), up AED235m on 2012.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of DEWA, said AED12.508bn would make up the utility's operating budget while AED1.206bn would be available to invest in capital projects and purchases.

DEWA plans to spend AED204m on 132KV cable laying circuits at various locations in Dubai and other works for electricity transmission system in addition to AED52m for installation of distribution substation equipment and low voltage cables.

He added that AED281m will be spent on developing water transmission and distribution networks across the emirate while another AED562m has been allocated to buy cables and accessories, switchgear, transformers, and pipes.

DEWA said in a statement that the total combined production capacity at the end of 2012 was 9646MW of Electricity and 470MIGD of water.

During 2012, the peak power load reached 6637MW with a reserve margin exceeding 300 MW.

The peak demand for water during 2012 was 285MIGD with a reserve margin estimated at 185MIGD, said Al Tayer.

"These reserve margins will contribute to the fulfillment of the power and water requirements of the recently announced prestigious mega-development projects, such as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Garden City project among others," he added.

"Additionally, these important strategic reserves will meet the future electricity and water needs of various economic, commercial, tourism, industrial and urban sectors."