Residents of Dubai can now access their electricity and water accounts, pay bills, and find nearby electric vehicle charging stations through the ChatGPT artificial intelligence platform. The service integration, announced this week, is a collaboration between the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.
The new feature allows DEWA customers to link their accounts to the AI assistant. Once connected, users can perform a range of tasks using conversational language. This includes checking current bill amounts and due dates, making secure payments, and reviewing historical consumption data.
Expanding Service Accessibility
Beyond bill management, the service provides real-time information on the locations and availability of public EV Green Charger stations across the Emirate. Customers can also receive instant answers to common inquiries about DEWA’s procedures, tariff structures, and conservation tips without needing to call a service center or visit a physical office.
The initiative is part of a broader digital transformation strategy within Dubai’s government services. Officials state the goal is to enhance customer convenience and accessibility by meeting users on platforms they already frequently use. The integration leverages ChatGPT’s ability to understand and respond to natural language requests, removing the need to navigate complex website menus or mobile app interfaces.
Security and Implementation
DEWA has emphasized that customer data security is maintained. The connection requires explicit user authorization, and sensitive account actions are reportedly handled through secure channels. The service is accessible via the ChatGPT platform on both web and mobile applications.
This move represents one of the first major integrations of a public utility provider with a mainstream generative AI chatbot. It signals a growing trend where essential civic and commercial services are embedding their functionalities into third-party AI interfaces to streamline user interactions.
Other government entities in the region are observing the deployment closely. Similar integrations for sectors like transportation, telecommunications, and municipal services could follow if the DEWA-ChatGPT partnership proves successful in improving user engagement and operational efficiency.
The next phase for the service may include support for more complex customer service scenarios and integration with other smart city initiatives. DEWA has indicated that updates will be rolled out based on user feedback and technological advancements in conversational AI.
Source: Mashable
