As economic activity has rebounded in Saudi Arabia this year amid the easing of Covid-19 restrictions (MEES, 12 November), power demand has surged. The Saudi Electric Company (SEC) this week reported a “6.5% year-on-year growth on electric power volume” from 216TWh in 9M 2020 to 230TWh for 9M 2021.

SEC also reported that it met a record peak load of 64.2GW during the summer (see chart). The previous record of 62.26GW was set in 2015, with peak load subsequently fluctuating around 60-62GW as the government has eased subsidies in a bid to curb power consumption. (CONTINUED - 479 WORDS)