Setting Up Home Electricity With SEC in Saudi Arabia

Whether you've just moved into a new home, bought a property, or are wrapping up a newly built villa, one of the first practical steps to sorting out your life in Saudi Arabia is getting the electricity connected in your name. The good news is that the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has moved almost the entire process online, so you can request, pay for, and track a new residential connection without standing in a queue. In this guide, Saudi Living walks you through exactly how it works, what documents you need, and what to expect in terms of fees and monthly tariffs in 2026.

Where to Start: Online and via the App

New home electricity in Saudi Arabia is set up with SEC through its website e-services or the official Alkahraba mobile app. The government service portal (GOV.SA) also lists permanent and temporary electrical connection as a fully online e-service that is integrated directly with SEC, so you can submit, track, and manage your request from one place.

To begin, you'll either log in to your existing SEC account or create a new one, then look for the option labelled “Permanent Service Connection” or “New Service Connection.”

Documents You'll Need

Before you start the application, have the following ready to upload:

• Your Saudi national ID or Iqama.
• The property ownership deed (if you own) or your rental contract (if you lease).
• Your up-to-date contact details.
• The completed SEC application form, which you fill in as part of the online request.

These can be submitted online via SEC or, if you prefer, in person at a local SEC office.

Step-by-Step: Requesting a New Connection

• Log in to your SEC account (or register) on the website or Alkahraba app.
• Select “New Service Connection” / “Permanent Service Connection.”
• Enter your property data and attach the required documents.
• Submit the request for review.
• Once approved, pay the connection fees.
• After payment, the connection is typically processed in about 5 to 10 business days.

For brand-new buildings, SEC's Barq service uses information from the municipal Balady building permit to coordinate the cabling and meter installation, which helps streamline the process for newly constructed homes.

Connection Fees in 2026

For low-voltage residential meters, the permanent service connection cost is charged The current 2026 schedule is approximately:

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

Some projects may also involve additional regulated charges such as 25,000 SAR for a preliminary study, 75,000 SAR for planning, engineering, and supervision, and 1,000 SAR for each meter when splitting the load at low voltage (including accessories and installation). Most standard household connections won't touch the larger study and planning charges, but it's worth being aware of them for bigger or custom setups. Always confirm the exact amount shown in your request before paying.

Understanding Your Monthly Bill

Residential electricity in 2026 is billed on a tiered consumption tariff:

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

On top of consumption, a fixed meter service fee of around 10 SAR and Value-Added Tax (VAT) of 15% is applied to the bill subtotal. Because the second tier costs noticeably more, it pays to keep an eye on heavy-use appliances — especially air conditioning during the summer months.

Tips for a Smooth Setup

• Make sure the name on your ID or Iqama matches the property documents to avoid delays.
• Choose the correct breaker capacity (kVA) for your home, as it directly affects your connection cost.
• Keep your SEC account contact details current so you receive approval and payment notifications.
• Use the Alkahraba app to track your request status and, later, to monitor consumption and pay bills.

For the latest fees, tariff figures, and any updates to the process, always confirm the details directly through SEC's official e-services or the Alkahraba app before you submit and pay.

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