Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority (ECRA) has approved the new Electricity Service Provision Guide, which was published in the official Umm Al-Qura newspaper on Friday. The guide includes updated consumption tariffs and mechanisms for disconnection and restoration as well as cancellation of electricity service.

According to the approved guide, electricity consumption tariffs for the residential sector have been set, ranging between 18 and 30 halalas per kilowatt-hour per month, while tariffs for the commercial sector range between 22 and 32 halalas per kilowatt-hour.

The current residential electricity tariff in Saudi Arabia, set by ECRA, is 18 halalas per kWh for consumption up to 6000 kWh per month, and 30 halalas per kWh for consumption exceeding 6000 kWh per month. The current tariffs for the commercial sector is 22 for consumption up to 6000 kWh per month and 32 halalas per kWh for consumption exceeding 6000 kWh per month. These rates were applicable to all residential and commercial customers.

The authority's approved guide addresses the reasons for disconnecting electricity service, which include non-payment of tariffs or other reasons not related to payment. The disconnection and reconnection process must be conducted in accordance with regulations published on the websites of the authority and the service provider. Consumers are entitled to obtain a copy of these regulations upon request.

The guide explains that the service provider's responsibilities include provision of electricity in accordance with the distribution code and service manual, disconnecting service when necessary, recording consumption with a meter reading cycle not exceeding 30 days, clearing consumption upon termination of the agreement, and canceling service at the consumer's request. It also highlights the need to maintain metering in locations undergoing renovation or reconstruction, and to exercise caution in sensitive areas.