As summer temperatures rise across the UAE, Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower) is calling on residents to take one simple step to reduce electricity bills: set the air conditioning thermostat to 24°C. The state-owned district cooling giant has relaunched its annual "Set at 24°C and Save" campaign for the eleventh consecutive year, targeting both residential and commercial customers across the country.
What Is the "Set at 24°C and Save" Campaign?
The initiative encourages all Empower customers — across residential towers, commercial buildings, and mixed-use developments — to set their AC units to 24 degrees Celsius and keep them in auto mode throughout the summer months. The campaign is designed to reduce electricity bills, lower energy consumption, and cut the carbon emissions that come with peak cooling demand.
Ahmad bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, stated that setting AC units at 24°C "proves important in the cooling efficiency, less utilization of electricity, and hence conservation of power and emanating less carbon," making it a meaningful contribution to environmental protection.
Why 24°C Makes a Difference for Your UAE Electricity Bill
District cooling accounts for a significant share of summer electricity costs for UAE households. Each degree below 24°C pushes cooling systems to work harder, consuming more energy and adding to monthly bills. By holding the thermostat at 24°C, customers can meaningfully reduce electricity bills without sacrificing comfort — particularly in well-insulated buildings where the difference in perceived temperature is minimal.
Energy experts note that every degree of reduction in cooling load can cut consumption by 5–8%, meaning a household that currently sets its AC to 21°C could save a substantial amount each month simply by raising the thermostat by three degrees.
Empower's Role in UAE Energy Conservation
Empower is the world's largest district cooling services provider. Its network supplies chilled water to thousands of residential and commercial properties across Dubai and other emirates, making it a central player in UAE energy conservation efforts. The company's annual summer campaigns are part of a broader sustainability mandate aligned with the UAE's national energy-efficiency targets and its long-term Net Zero goals.
Bin Shafar noted that the campaign reflects growing customer awareness and a sense of shared responsibility for energy conservation — principles that are central to the UAE's drive to preserve natural resources and reduce its carbon footprint.
Simple Steps to Lower Your Cooling Costs This Summer
Alongside setting the thermostat to 24°C, Empower recommends a few additional measures to reduce electricity bills during summer:
- Keep AC filters clean and maintained regularly - Close window curtains and blinds during peak afternoon heat - Seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent cool air escaping - Tint glass windows and doors to reduce solar heat gain - Monitor thermostat settings consistently and avoid frequent adjustments
These steps, combined with the 24°C setting, can deliver noticeable reductions in monthly cooling costs for both apartment residents and business owners across the UAE.
