Residents of the northern emirates are crying foul over a huge difference in the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa) power tariff in buildings owned by Emiratis and those owned by expats.

Expatriates mainly living in Ajman Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah told Khaleej Times that they are not only paying more now for Fewa power than what they used to pay for generator-produced power but they are also paying more than the residents living in buildings owned by Emiratis.

Alaa Ali an expatriate at Al Nuaimiya in Ajman said the much-anticipated Fewa power supply to the building he is staying in turned to be a nightmare. "We were so happy to know that Fewa electricity was been supplied to our building but it is not good news anymore."

The residents who were angry with the landlord for charging them 40 Fils per kilowatt for generator-produced power were in for a shock when Fewa charged them 45 Fils per kilowatt.

"What is more ridiculous is that our neighbours also expatriates are charged only 28 Fils per kilowatt. When asked we were told that the difference in tariff - 17 Fils per kilowatt - is because the landlord of their building is an Emirati."

Umm Omar resident of the new industrial area Ajman said she was very unhappy with the huge difference in tariff. "Why should we pay more for Fewa electricity when my friend in the next building is paying less for the same service provider? And that too just because her landlord is an Emirati."

Also upset with the "unreasonable" hike Wafaa Saqr a resident in UAQ said the higher electricity bills added more financial burdens to his budget. "And how is it possible that generator-produced power is less expensive that Fewa's?" he asked.

As far as he know the 45 Fils is only applicable to owners of freehold properties and investors he added. "We have nothing to do with this. We are normal residents like our neighbours and friends who are staying next to us but are paying less for the same provider."

"Imagine we are now envying residents of generator-powered buildings because they are paying less. They only pay 40 Fils per kilowatt" said Sherif Al Wakeel RAK.

"We are not owners of freehold properties. We are all expatriates but we are charged differently though Fewa is the same service provider. This is because the landlord is an Emirati; so what? Would we pay less for a bottle of water if the shop owner is a national? Is this reasonable?"

Khaleej Times approached Fewa for feedback but got no reply. However Mohammad Saleh Fewa Director-General earlier stated that the 45 Fils per kilowatt a newly added slab was only applicable to owners of freehold properties. "This is actually the exact amount the authority pays for producing a single kilowatt."

"This is not true. We are paying 45 Fils per kilowatt in Ajman for Fewa-provided electricity. Those who are only paying 28 Fils are staying in buildings owned by Emiratis" commented Ahmed Abu Sultan a resident of Al Nuaimiya area.

Ahmed Shaaban Master's degree in Mass Media with 19 year experience in media and translation