The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) supplies power and water across Bahrain, and in 2026 expats pay a flat, unsubsidised tariff that is higher than the rate for Bahraini citizens. This guide breaks down the 2026 rates, what a summer AC bill really costs and every way to pay.
How the 2026 tariff works
Bahraini citizens on a single account pay a subsidised, banded rate that rises with consumption. Non-Bahraini residents and holders of multiple accounts pay a single flat rate on every unit. From January 2026 the unsubsidised rates increased.
| Service | Non-Bahraini (expat) 2026 rate | Bahraini citizen (single account) |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | 32 fils per kWh (flat, up from 29) | 3 / 9 / 16 / 32 fils by usage band |
| Water | 775 fils per m³ (flat, up from 750) | 25 / 80 / 775 fils by usage band |
A 20% sewer service fee also applies to non-residential and non-citizen properties from 2026, adding to the total on many expat bills. The direction of travel is clear: successive years have trimmed subsidies for non-citizens, so expats should assume utilities will keep edging up rather than down and build a small annual increase into their household budget.
What expats actually pay
Because expats pay the top flat rate from the first unit, air conditioning is the single biggest driver of the bill. A modest apartment might run BHD 30-60 a month in cooler months, while a villa running AC through the summer can climb well past BHD 150-200. Combined electricity, water and internet commonly land in the BHD 60-120 range for a typical expat flat outside peak summer. For the wider picture, see our Bahrain cost of living guide.
Why non-Bahrainis pay more
Bahrain heavily subsidises utilities for citizens on their primary home, where the first units of electricity and water are billed at a fraction of cost. Expats and anyone holding more than one account fall outside that subsidy and pay the flat commercial-style rate from the very first unit. This is a deliberate policy: the government has been gradually removing subsidies for non-citizens to reduce the fiscal burden, which is why the expat rate rose again in 2026. It means two identical villas next door to each other can produce very different bills depending on who holds the account.
Deposit and connecting supply
When you take on a property you register the EWA account against your tenancy contract, and EWA collects a refundable security deposit to open the connection. Ask your landlord or agent whether the existing account is transferred to your name or opened fresh, since an unpaid previous balance can hold up connection. The deposit is returned when you close the account and settle the final bill at the end of your tenancy, so keep the receipt.
How to cut your bill
- Set air conditioning to 24-25°C rather than lower — each degree adds noticeably to consumption
- Service AC units before summer so they run efficiently
- Use the EWA app to track daily usage and spot spikes early
- Report leaks quickly, as water is charged at a high flat rate for expats
How to pay your bill
- EWA smart app — view usage, pay by card and manage multiple accounts
- EWA website and the national bahrain.bh eGovernment portal
- Benefit Pay and online banking bill payment through your bank app
- Bank ATMs and EWA customer service centres for cash payment
Frequently asked questions
Do expats really pay double the citizen rate?
On low usage, effectively yes — citizens pay as little as 3 fils per kWh and 25 fils per m³ on their first bands, while expats pay the flat 32 fils and 775 fils from the first unit. On very high usage the gap narrows because the top citizen band matches the flat rate.
Is EWA usually included in rent?
Not normally. Most tenancies bill EWA separately unless the listing explicitly says utilities are included, so factor it into your budget.
How do I avoid a connection delay?
Make sure any previous tenant’s EWA balance is cleared before you register the account in your name, and have your tenancy contract and CPR ready.
Bottom line
Expats in Bahrain pay a flat 32 fils per kWh for electricity and 775 fils per m³ for water in 2026, with no low-usage subsidy, so managing AC is the main way to control the bill. Pay online through the EWA app or bahrain.bh to avoid queues, and budget for the summer spike. If you are still house-hunting, our Bahrain property guide covers where expats tend to live.
Read next: Kuwait Electricity & Water Bills 2026: MEW Tariffs & How to Pay · Oman Electricity & Water Bills 2026: Tariffs & How to Pay
Primary sources: the Electricity and Water Authority and the Bahrain national portal.
