Dubai: You likely use WhatsApp every day to connect with loved ones. What if you could use it to pay off your utility bills too?It’s possible, thanks to Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA) WhatsApp service and artificial intelligence (AI) powered feedback. Here’s how to use the service.What is DEWA’s WhatsApp service?DEWA, the exclusive provider of electricity and water in Dubai, launched its official WhatsApp channel in 2019. This 24/7 service features an AI powered assistant named Rammas, who answers your questions in Arabic and English. The DEWA WhatsApp number is 04 6019999. What services can I access?You can use the DEWA WhatsApp channel to access a number of services, including:View bill details – Request a summary of your current balance and details of the last payment.Track service requests – Check the real-time status of service applications.Consumption insights – Get information and tips on how to monitor electricity and water usage.Technical notifications – Report a technical issue or outage.EV green charger – For electric vehicle (EV) account management and learning about the nearest charging stations.Update information – Useful if you want to update your contact details or change your customer category.Customer Happiness Centre locations – Find the nearest DEWA branch and its operating hours.FAQs (Frequently asked questions) – Get instant answers to over 200 service-related questions.Pay for a friend – Pay a bill for someone else.How do I use the DEWA WhatsApp service to pay a bill?Follow these steps:Open WhatsApp on your phone and add the following number as a contact: 04 6019999.Open the DEWA chat and type in a message, such as ‘Hi’.You will receive a welcome message from DEWA’s chatbot, Rammas, and receive a list of categories, such as Consumer, Builder, Partner, and so on. Type 1 to select the ‘Consumer’ option, and send the message.Next, Rammas will present a menu of consumer services, such as View Bill, Track Application and so on. Type the number corresponding to ‘Bill Payment’ (usually option 8, as listed in the menu). Tap the send button.Now, you will need to enter your 10-digit DEWA account number, found at the top of your utility bill.For security reasons, Rammas will not ask you for your credit card details within the chat. Instead, it will prompt you to pay via a secure payment link. Click the link and complete the payment by using a credit or debit card, or another mode, such as Apply Pay.Once you have completed paying your bill, you will receive a confirmation message on WhatsApp and a receipt via your registered email address.
