Abu Dhabi has announced an increase in the water and electricity charges after the UAE energy ministry's decision to deregulate fuel prices across the country, said a report.

Abu Dhabi has announced an increase in the water and electricity charges following the UAE energy ministry's decision to deregulate fuel prices across the country five months back, said a report.

The new rates, which come into effect starting this month, aim to encourage residents to rationalise their energy consumption, and contribute to efforts to sustain natural resources, reported the Gulf News, citing the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) statement.

While the water tariff for expatriates will remain unchanged at Dh5.95 ($1.6) for 1,000 litres, those who exceed the daily limit of 700 litres in flats and 5,000 litres in villas will be charged Dh10.55 ($2.8) per 1,000 litres. The figure is an increase from the Dh9.9 rate last year, it stated.

The tariff for expatriates living in villas using up to 200 kilowatts of electricity per day will also remain flat, but those exceeding the limit will be charged 31.8 fils per kilowatt - up from 21 fils in 2015.

Expatriates living in apartments will have a daily limit of 20 kilowatts, and will be charged the same rates for exceeding the limit, the report added.