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Empower launches awareness campaign on district cooling billing
Empower launches awareness campaign on district cooling billing
Company’s billing is based on actual metered consumption of cooling service
Dubai, UAE, 22nd May, 2011: Emirates Central Cooling Corporation (Empower) has launched an awareness campaign on the billing of its services in an attempt to increase transparency and loyalty among its rapidly increasing customer base in Dubai.
Ahmed Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, said: “We were the first district cooling (DC) company in the UAE to introduce metering in 2007. We consider customers as the backbone of our operations and raising customer awareness of our services and billing systems is the key to winning their loyalty.”
As and when customers of Empower use the air-conditioning, the meter will run at the rate of 0.568 fils per RT per hour. It is billed in arrears at the end of each month. On the other hand, there is the demand charge, which is a recurring annual fee, levied by Empower for providing District Cooling Service at AED 750 per Refrigeration Ton (RT) per annum, billed and paid quarterly in advance.
Bin Shafar emphasized that Empower bills its customers based on the actual metered consumption of cooling services. The RT of the customer’s unit is pre-determined by the developer depending on its unit area and premise type.
Forming part of the bill is the Meter Maintenance which is charged quarterly at Dhs 50 per quarter to cover the testing and maintenance of each meter installed in the apartment. It is billed in arrears in the last month of each quarter, while the connection charge is a one-off fee to be paid by the owner for the connection, which is different from the Refundable Security Deposit that is paid at the time of registration.
Bin Shafar said that like any other utilities, Empower charges are linked to the cost of inputs and general inflation index and are subject to revision, and, as such, tariffs are subject to change.
To save energy, customers must control their consumption by optimizing the setting of their thermostat or reducing cooling losses through their windows and doors.
Bin Shafar added: “Empower's District Cooling system is underpinned by a skilled round-the-clock service team and a comprehensive set of emergency back-up systems that ensure complete reliability.”
District cooling is measured in refrigeration ton which is equivalent to 12000 BTU's per hour. Refrigeration Ton is the unit measure for the amount of heat removed. Refrigeration Ton is defined as the heat absorbed by one ton of ice (2000 pounds) causing it to melt completely by the end of one day (24 hours).
District cooling systems can replace any type of air conditioning system, but primarily compete with air-cooled reciprocating chiller systems serving large buildings which consume large amounts of electricity.
Bin Shafar added: “This air-conditioning system is subject to a difficult operating environment, including extreme heat, saline humidity and windborne sand. Over time, performance, efficiency and reliability suffer, leading to significant maintenance costs and ultimately to equipment replacement.”
This awareness campaign reflects the core values of Empower and it reinforces its position on the global front as an organization that delivers efficient service with transparent billing system.
About Empower: Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) is a joint venture between Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone (TECOM) Investments and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), created to provide energy-efficient district cooling services to large-scale real estate developments. Empower plans to diversify into other energy efficiency and conservation services. Empower's district cooling systems (DCS) provide effective and efficient means of air conditioning. Water is cooled in central plants and distributed through a network of piping systems to individual customer buildings. DCS achieves economies of scale by using centralised plants instead of individual cooling units in each building. The centralised system results in reduced capital and operating costs, thus reducing air-conditioning set-up and energy costs per building. Empower is set to become one of the largest district cooling companies in the region.
Realty Capital announces completion of 'i-Rise' office tower
Realty Capital announces completion of 'i-Rise' office tower
Realty Capital obtains final completion certificate as high-profile tenants start to move into luxury-oriented business tower
May 22, 2011
Realty Capital Middle East FZ LLC has obtained the final completion certificate after wrapping up construction work of its centrepiece "i-Rise" business tower project in TECOM Site C. This certificate officially confirms that the i-Rise office tower is complete and ready to be occupied. Realty Capital has revealed that a number of high-profile tenants have already started fit-out works in their respective offices with the intention to move into the luxurious, 36-storey executive and corporate tower.
i-Rise is strategically located on a premium corner plot in Dubai’s TECOM Site-C and offers a total built-up-area of more than 1.9 million square feet, making it among the region's largest office tower developments. Designed to be a popular Dubai landmark. i-Rise stands out with its unique curvilinear design that enhances its reputation as one of the most prestigious and sought-after office addresses in the UAE.
Marwan Mansour, CEO, Realty Capital, said: "i-Rise reaffirms its position as a state-of-the-art office tower with an unrivalled combination of world-class business amenities, strategic location and a truly exclusive business address. With the completion certificate in hand, we have now started handing over the offices to the owners, who are likewise very excited to move into one of the region's largest and most luxurious office developments.
We have sold a dream and have delivered our promise; we are pleased to have satisfied the expectations of our clients.”
i-Rise offers prime commercial space with a gross area of 31,000 sq. ft. per floor. Offices at i-Rise are characterized as both modern and flexible ranging from 500 sq. ft. to 3,500 sq. ft. Individual offices come in two modules, executive and corporate. Executive offices have their own toilets, pantry and store rooms.
i-Rise has also been designed to deliver generous daylight in all office spaces, creating substantial energy savings and enhancing the tower's environmental benefits. In addition to its excellent location, convenient access from Sheikh Zayed Road and optimum visibility, i-Rise is also ideally located to offer panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and the New Dubai skyline. Moreover, it is just a short distance away from the Dubai Metro Station.
An extensive retail space has also been integrated into the office tower at the ground level, offering a gross area of more than 60,000 square feet and a total net area of 48,000 square feet. The retail section can accommodate up to 28 specialty retail outlets ranging from 500 sq. ft. up to 10,000 sq. ft.
Realty Capital further revealed that it has partnered with leading brands to occupy the various retail outlets and provide diversified retail offerings, including pharmacies, beauty and health salons, general services such as car rental, laundry and courier service; fashion and jewellery, banks and showrooms.
Other key features of i-Rise include a specially treated podium façade, 19 high-speed elevators, exquisitely designed grand lobbies and reception areas, CCTV security systems and 24-hour security surveillance, and a multi-storey car park with 2,300 parking bays. Other premium amenities include a business centre, a fitness centre and a landscape area.
Jebel Ali Bus Depot completed, operation to start in July: RTA
Jebel Ali Bus Depot completed, operation to start in July: RTA
4 bus stations to open this month at Al-Qouz, Karama, Baraha and Umm Ramool: Al Tayer
Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:
All construction works in Jebel Ali Bus Depot have been completed and the station, which serves 17 bus routes covering the entire neighbourhood, is set to start operation as early as the first of July 2011, announced the Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) H.E. Mattar Al Tayer.
The completion of works in the Jebel Ali Bus Depot brings about a fresh addition to a host of Bus Depots supporting the daily bus movement at Al Khawaneej, Al Rawiyyah and Al Awir.
“The construction works completed under Phase I of the project comprised building of a boundary wall at site and constructing internal roads, bus parking lots, workshops, drivers’ accommodation, public utility (Water & Electricity) networks and sewage system. The Depot has a total intake of about 300 buses (standard, articulated and double-deckers) and is fitted with 24 bays capable of handling 36 buses at a time to carry out a range of works such as bus washing, cleaning and refueling. The Depot has an office compound to house about 50 staff as well as a residential complex to accommodate about 300 drivers,” stated Al Tayer.
“The project is part of RTA’s Master Plan to upgrade mass transportation on buses with the aim of attracting new commuters and hence contributing to easing roads congestions. These highly sophisticated buses feature top quality specifications, affordable fare and wide geographical coverage, and as such provide a big boost to the integration of mass transit modes spanning public buses, Dubai Metro and marine modes. The plan also encompasses expanding the construction of air-conditioned bus shelters besides introducing electronic systems such as the journey planner “Wojhati”, automatic bus management scheme, unified card scheme, and real time passenger information system in addition to “Sharekni” and “Awselni” programs,” said Al Tayer.
4 New Stations
H.E. Mattar Al Tayer explained that during May this year, four new service stations have been opened to support daily shuttling service. On the first of May, three bus stations have been operated; the first in Karama, with a capacity to house 10 parking buses, Nol card selling & recharging machines, and bus route network maps. The Station has 2 routes serving the CBD in addition to city and inter-city services. The second station is Al Baraha Station; which can house up to 18 buses and has 7 routes covering the surrounding areas. The third is Umm Al Ramool Station, which is located near Emirates Airlines Metro Station, and has a space for 12 parked buses, Nol card selling & recharging machines, and bus route network maps. The Station serves RTA buses designated to lift Emirates Airline’s employees in addition to Awselni service buses and the metro station feeder routes serving areas in the vicinity of the station.
“In the mid of this month RTA operated Al Qouz Bus Station; which has a capacity to house 24 buses and is fitted with Nol card selling & recharging machines, and bus route network maps. The Station serves 7 bus routes including city service routes, metro stations feeder service, and local routes to serve Al Qouz area and is also linked with the CBD in Deira and Bur Dubai as well as Al Qusais and Satwa,” said Al Tayer in a final remark.
Captions:
- Mattar Al Tayer
- Jebel Ali Bus Depot
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