Setting Up Home Electricity with SEC in Saudi Arabia

Whether you're moving into a newly built villa, renting your first apartment, or taking over an existing property, sorting out your electricity supply is one of the first practical steps of settling into a home in Saudi Arabia. Residential power across the Kingdom is supplied nationwide by the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), and the good news is that most of the process can now be handled from your phone. This Saudi Living guide walks you through tariffs, fees, deposits, and exactly how to get connected without unnecessary trips to a service office.

How Residential Tariffs Work in 2026

Residential electricity in Saudi Arabia is billed based on how much you actually consume each month, not on your income or the size of your property. The tariff has two brackets:

• 0–6,000 kWh per month: SAR 0.18 per kWh
• Above 6,000 kWh per month: SAR 0.30 per kWh

In practice, this means a light-usage household stays comfortably in the lower bracket, while heavy air-conditioning use during the summer months can push part of your consumption into the higher rate. Every bill also includes a fixed monthly meter/breaker fee and 15% VAT applied to the subtotal (energy charges plus the fixed fee).

Fixed Meter and Breaker Fees

On top of your energy usage, a small fixed monthly charge applies depending on your breaker capacity:

• Breaker 20–99A: SAR 10/month
• Breaker 100–199A: SAR 15/month
• Breaker 200–299A: SAR 21/month
• Breaker 300–399A: SAR 22/month
• Breaker 400A: SAR 25/month
• Above 400A: SAR 30/month

A typical apartment or villa uses a residential meter with the SAR 10/month fixed fee, so for most households this line item is minor.

Setting Up a Brand-New Connection

If your property is newly built and has never had a meter, you'll be applying for a permanent service connection. Connection fees for new supply are calculated per kVA of breaker capacity:

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

In addition, a refundable security deposit typically ranges from SAR 500 to SAR 2,000, depending on the meter size and property type. If you need power urgently before the permanent connection is finalized, a temporary supply is available for around a SAR 150 expedite fee plus deposit, valid up to 30 days before it's converted to permanent service.

Taking Over an Existing Meter

Moving into a property that already has electricity? You'll simply transfer the account into your name rather than requesting a new connection. The account transfer fee is SAR 100, plus settlement of any outstanding balance left by the previous occupant. It's smart to confirm there are no unpaid bills before you sign a lease, since the account should be clear before it's moved to you.

In areas where prepaid meters are offered, installation costs about SAR 200 — a useful option if you prefer to control spending by topping up in advance rather than receiving a monthly bill.

How to Apply

The main channel for all of this is the SEC online portal and the SEC mobile app, where you can create an account, request a new service, transfer an existing account, view your consumption, and pay your bills. Visiting a local SEC customer service office is also accepted if you'd rather handle things in person or need help with a complex case.

• Register or log in using your national identity through Nafath.
• Have your property details ready, including address, meter number (for transfers), and ownership or tenancy documents.
• Submit your request and pay any applicable connection fee or deposit online.

Government platforms including Absher, Muqeem, Qiwa, Najiz, Nafath, Balady, Tawakkalna, and Etimad support related verification and documentation steps, so keep your accounts on these active and up to date to speed things along.

Tips for a Smooth Setup

• Confirm the previous account is fully paid before transferring an existing meter.
• Choose a breaker capacity that matches your real needs — oversizing raises your fixed monthly fee.
• Keep an eye on the 6,000 kWh threshold during summer to manage cooling costs.
• Always confirm current fees and deposit amounts on the official SEC channels before applying, as figures can be updated.

With your documents ready and an SEC account set up, most residents can get connected quickly and start managing everything — from bills to breaker upgrades — directly online.

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