Setting Up Home Electricity with SEC in Saudi Arabia

Getting your home connected to power is one of the first practical steps after moving into a property in Saudi Arabia. Unlike many government services that run through national platforms, home electricity is arranged directly with the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC). Whether you're activating an existing meter in a rented apartment or requesting a brand-new connection for a house you've built, the process is handled through SEC's own channels. This Saudi Living guide walks you through each step, the documents you'll need, and the fees to expect.

Where to Set Up Your Account

Home electricity in Saudi Arabia is set up directly with SEC — not through Absher, Muqeem, Qiwa, Najiz, Nafath, or any other national portal. Your two main options are:

• The SEC online portal and its mobile app, known as Hesabi.
• SEC customer service offices, if you prefer to handle things in person.

For most residents, the Hesabi app is the fastest way to open an account, link a property, pay bills, and manage your service.

Opening an Account for an Existing Meter

If your property already has an installed meter — which is the case for most apartments and villas — you simply need to open an account and link it to yourself. You'll typically need:

• Your national ID or iqama number.
• A registered mobile number.
• An email address.
• Your national address.

The steps are straightforward: create a Hesabi account, then add the property (the meter or account number) under your user profile. Through the same portal, you can link a supply to your name, transfer it when you move, or request a disconnection when you leave a property. Keeping the meter number from the previous occupant or the landlord makes this much easier.

Requesting a New Permanent Connection

If you've built a new home or the property has no meter yet, you'll need to apply for a new permanent electrical service connection. This is done through the SEC website or app under “New Service Connection.” During the application you will:

• Provide property details.
• Specify your electrical load or circuit breaker size (measured in kVA).
• Upload ownership or lease documents.
• Pay the connection fee electronically through the portal.

Once your application is approved, typical completion time is around 5–10 business days.

Connection Fees for a New Service

The connection fee for a new permanent residential service is based on your circuit breaker capacity in kVA. For 2026, the rates are:

• Above 1 kVA up to 30 kVA: 60 SAR per kVA.
• Above 30 kVA up to 60 kVA: 95 SAR per kVA.
• Above 60 kVA up to 120 kVA: 120 SAR per kVA.
• Above 120 kVA up to 500 kVA: 175 SAR per kVA.

For larger or more complex projects, additional regulated charges may apply including preliminary study work (25,000 SAR), planning, engineering and supervision works (75,000 SAR), and load splitting at low distribution voltage for measurement (1,000 SAR including accessories and installation). These larger charges generally apply to substantial developments rather than a single standard home.

Monthly Fees and Consumption Tariffs

Beyond consumption, residential accounts pay a small monthly meter fee determined by breaker capacity, typically in the range of roughly 10–40 SAR per month.

Your actual usage is billed on a tiered residential tariff:

• Up to 6,000 kWh per month: about 0.18 SAR per kWh.
• Above 6,000 kWh per month: about 0.30 SAR per kWh.

Because air conditioning drives most summer consumption, many households cross into the higher tier during the hottest months — worth keeping in mind when budgeting.

Disconnection and Reconnection

If your service is cut for non-payment, there is a standard fee for resuming electricity once the outstanding bill is settled. A higher fee applies when service is reconnected after being cut due to violations or extended non-payment. Historically, these charges have fallen in the tens to low hundreds of SAR range. To avoid interruptions, enable bill notifications in the Hesabi app and consider automatic payment.

Quick Tips Before You Apply

• Confirm the meter number and national address before starting.
• Have your ID/iqama, lease or ownership document ready to upload.
• Know your breaker size to estimate connection fees accurately.
• Always confirm current fees and steps on the official SEC portal, as tariffs and charges are periodically updated.

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