Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is advancing its digital transformation by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its energy distribution operations. This move aims to boost operational efficiency and service reliability. DEWA’s smart grid, supported by AED 7 billion in investments until 2035, plays a key role in providing continuous services.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, stated that the Distribution Network Smart Centre processes over 15 million data units daily from the distribution network. This data is transformed into insight reports and interactive dashboards to aid decision-making. The centre also uses Big Data, AI, and machine learning for diagnostic and analytical services, enhancing maintenance responses and customer satisfaction.
“Our projects and initiatives contribute to consolidating Dubai’s position as a globally leading city in adopting AI solutions and advanced digital technologies. Deploying AI in the energy distribution sector is part of our efforts to enhance the efficiency of the smart grid and strengthen our operational readiness. Our adoption of disruptive technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has helped us achieve the world’s lowest rate of electricity customer minutes lost. In 2024, Dubai recorded just 0.94 minutes per customer, significantly lower than the 15-minute average of leading European utilities,” said Al Tayer.
By late 2024, there were sixty-nine 33kV substations and 45,317 medium-voltage substations across Dubai. To meet increasing electricity demand due to economic growth, DEWA installed over one million smart electricity meters and more than one million smart water meters throughout the emirate. With all customers using smart meters, this supports DEWA’s smart networks for electricity and water.
