Dubai Municipality will support the Rationalisation Hour initiative of the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, SEWA.

Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, signed a promise certificate in this regard during his meeting with a delegation from SEWA, headed by Ghada Juma, Director of the Rationalisation Department.

The meeting saw an exchange of experiences in the field of load management during peak hours. It also explored the importance of rationalising consumption, media and marketing plans to encourage behaviours and methods for the optimal use of energy and water.

Officials of SEWA presented their experiences of the Rationalisation Hour initiative launched by the directives of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

As per the directive, 2.30pm to 3.30pm on 1st July each year is observed as Rationalisation Hour. The aim is to raise the awareness of government officials, community leaders and individuals on the importance of electricity and water.

It seeks to discuss methods of optimal use and promote collective action to address global warming by rationalising energy consumption and the use of natural resources in a more conscious way. This is because during these hours the demand for electricity and the load is maximum.

The measure also intends to increase knowledge on the favourable use of energy and reduction of carbon emissions through the closure of non-essential devices and periodic maintenance.

Dubai Municipality was invited by SEWA to co-operate and make this project a success by signing a certificate of promise to reach the desired goals. During the meeting, a number of different projects were reviewed, experiences were exchanged, and a token certificate was signed.

The objectives and mechanisms of implementing the initiative, the positive results achieved in Sharjah and the UAE in the last two years, and the developmental projects and strategic plans of SEWA to meet the emergencies and load management, especially at peak times, were also reviewed.