The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has partnered with the British Standards Institute (BSI) with the goal of launching the PAS 60518:2020 standard for risk management in the energy and utilities sector. The standard is touted to be a global first.
As per a statement, DEWA approved the number 60518 referencing the birthdate of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (6th May 1918).
The new standard is billed as an important addition to the efforts to set effective risk management standards, ensure business continuity, and handle emergencies with the highest levels of professionalism and efficiency to serve people and achieve their happiness.
“DEWA operates a rigorous risk management system and enhances its resilience by improving its ability to anticipate risks and prepare for change, to ensure business continuity. DEWA also adapts its work environment and operations to provide electricity and water services to over 900,000 customers in Dubai according to the highest levels of quality, efficiency, and reliability,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, DEWA’s MD and CEO.
Al Tayer said that PAS 60518:2020 is the first risk management standard that is designed specifically for the energy and utilities sector.
He added, “This supports DEWA’s commitment to keeping pace with the rapid changes to achieve the highest standards of excellence and our efforts to achieve DEWA’s vision to become a globally leading sustainable innovative corporation.”
Khawla Al Mehairi, executive VP of Strategy and Government Communications at DEWA explained that some utility companies use ISO 31000:2018 risk management guidelines, which serves as a good starting point. He noted however that the standard lacks guidance on implementation and that the PAS 60518:2020 will fill some gaps in the current standards and paves the way to full ISO standardisation.