Setting Up Home Electricity in Saudi Arabia: Full Guide

Getting electricity switched on in a new home is one of the first practical steps when you move into a property in Saudi Arabia. Whether you've bought a villa, built a new unit, or are renting an apartment, the process is handled directly through the Saudi Electricity Company's digital channels — not through Absher, Muqeem, or any other government portal. This guide walks you through the fees, documents, timelines, and your rights if there's a delay.

How the connection fee is calculated

For a new permanent residential connection, there is no single flat price. Instead, the fee depends on the approved capacity of your service breaker, measured in kVA (kilovolt-amperes). The higher the capacity, the higher the per-kVA rate. The current structure works as follows:

• Above 1 up to 30 kVA: SAR 60 per kVA
• Above 30 up to 60 kVA: SAR 95 per kVA
• Above 60 up to 120 kVA: SAR 120 per kVA
• Above 120 up to 500 kVA: SAR 175 per kVA
• Above 500 up to 4,000 kVA: SAR 250 per kVA

Because the charge is tied to the approved breaker capacity rather than a fixed household amount, it's worth confirming the capacity your property actually needs before applying so you aren't paying for more than necessary.

Documents you'll need

For a new connection, the main requirements generally include:

• A valid municipal building permit that shows the number of units in the property.
• Confirmation that the required site inspection has been completed.
• For a separate meter on an independent unit, municipal approval confirming the unit is genuinely independent.

Having these ready in digital format before you start the application makes the process much smoother, as you'll be asked to upload them.

How to apply

The entire request is submitted online through the Saudi Electricity Company's website or mobile application. The steps are straightforward:

• Log in to your account.
• Open Electricity Service Management.
• Select Add Meter.
• Upload the required documents.
• Submit the request.

You will not need to start this process in another government app — the electricity request is handled within the company's own digital service channels.

How long it takes

Timelines depend on the type of connection and the network work involved:

• Low-voltage connections (which cover most typical residential cases): up to 20 business days once the required payment or actual costs have been settled.
• Medium-voltage connections: up to 60 business days.
• Low-voltage connections that require medium-voltage network work: also up to 60 business days.

Registering an existing meter in your name

If you're a tenant moving into a property that already has a meter, you don't need a new connection — you simply register the existing meter in your name. Cancelling a tenant's registration follows the same channel. The stated timeframe for this is 3 business days.

Your rights if there's a delay

Service standards come with compensation if the company misses the deadline:

• For new connections that exceed the applicable timeframe: SAR 400 compensation, plus SAR 20 for each additional business day or part of a day.
• For registering or cancelling a tenant's meter registration beyond the 3-day standard: SAR 100 compensation, plus SAR 20 per additional business day or part of a day.

Keep a record of your submission date and reference number so you can track the deadline and claim compensation if applicable.

Quick tips before you start

• Confirm the correct breaker capacity for your property to avoid overpaying.
• Gather your municipal permit and inspection confirmation in advance.
• For independent units, secure municipal approval of independence first.
• Always verify current fees and steps on the Saudi Electricity Company's official service channels, as figures and requirements can be updated.

With your documents prepared and the right capacity selected, setting up home electricity is usually a smooth, fully digital process — leaving you free to focus on settling into your new home.

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