SEC’s power output hits peak level in August

Saudi Arabia’s power generation reached a peak level of 62,300 megawatts (MW) in August, an increase of 5,700 MW, or ten percent when compared to the same month in 2014, marking the highest level in the kingdom’s history, Saudi Electricity Co. (SEC) said in a statement.

Makkah registered its highest load peak of more than 17 percent compared to last year’s records.

Projects introduced earlier this year have reflected positively on the kingdom’s power grid, said Ziad bin Mohammed Al-Shiha, SEC’s chief executive.

SEC boosted power capacity by 4,500 MW over the summer months, constructed 22 new transmission plants, and added 2,864 kilometers of transmission lines.

The state-owned utilities provider— which is the largest in the Gulf Arab region— currently has SAR 130 billion worth of projects in the pipeline. This figure also includes the kingdom’s transition to a smart meter system, according to a recent report published by Argaam.