If you opt out of company, you might have to deal with EMPOWER. They seem to charge you regardless if the AC is on or off. 600 in the winter months. 900-1000 in summer, (2 BD 140SQM). This is AC only. There is a fixed cost every 3 months. I like to think of it as a tax. Along with the DEWA tax.
I am pretty sure most of the company's in Dubai are geared to extract money back from the Expats they invite in.
My DEWA in the same place can be around 900, I live alone and turn the lights off when I am not in the room.
Anyway, yup it will be a lot more expensive than home. I give this info as some gauge for what you familied guys have got to pay.