Abu Dhabi state utility Adwea has begun registering energy services companies to bid for contracts to reduce energy consumption in government and commercial buildings. The aim is to curb demand without targeting private customers.

The UAE, like all GCC countries, provides electricity at heavily subsidized rates. This practice, which has seen consumption soar to world-beating levels, has become increasingly unsustainable since the late-2014 fall in oil prices slashed government revenues. (CONTINUED - 515 WORDS)