Methodology and Quality Update

Latest Update on Methodology and Quality

2025/11/04

Statistical Presentation

Data description

The Electrical Energy Statistics publication is an annual publication that aims to provide beneficiaries and decision-makers with updated data on the status of the electrical energy sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The publication includes detailed indicators on the licensed capacity for electrical energy generation, peak load, electrical energy sold, and consumption efficiency, in addition to data on electrical energy consumption by administrative regions and consumption categories. These indicators are presented in the form of statistical tables and analytical reports.
The Electrical Energy Statistics include the following main characteristics:
•    Licensed capacity for electrical energy generation.
•    Peak load.
•    Total electrical energy sent to the network.
•    Electrical energy consumption.

Classifications

The following classifications are applied in the Electrical Energy Statistics:
Standard International Energy Product Classification (SIEC):
It is a statistical classification endorsed by the United Nations for the standardized organization and classification of energy products, ensuring the consistency of energy statistics and their international comparability. It covers all products related to the production, transformation, and consumption of energy.
Standard International Energy Product Classification (SIEC):

Statistical concepts and definitions

Terms and concepts of Electrical Energy Statistics:
•    Licensed capacity for electrical energy generation by type of production unit:
It refers to the maximum production capacity of electricity generation plants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in accordance with the licenses issued by the regulatory authority, measured in gigawatts.
This capacity is classified by type of generation unit as follows:
-    Steam units:
Generation units that use steam produced by heating water with fossil fuels (oil, gas, or coal) to operate turbines.
-    Gas units:
Generation units that rely on gas turbines operating directly on natural gas or liquid fuel and are characterized by fast start-up capability to meet peak load demand.
-    Combined-cycle units:
Units that combine both gas and steam turbines, where the steam generated from the gas turbine is used to operate an additional steam turbine, which enhances generation efficiency.
-    Diesel units:
Small- or medium-sized units that operate using diesel engines to generate electricity and are often used as a backup source or in remote areas.
-    Renewable energy units:
Include generation units that rely on clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. They contribute to diversifying the national energy mix and reducing emissions.
•    Peak load:
It is the maximum load for supplying electrical energy for a fixed duration within a specified time.
•    Peak load by business regions:
It refers to the highest electricity demand recorded during the year in each of the four business regions covered by the service provider (Central, Western, Eastern, and Southern).
•    Business regions:
Geographical/administrative divisions adopted by the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) to manage and operate the electricity network in the Kingdom. They are divided into four main regions: Central Region, Western Region, Eastern Region, and Southern Region.
•    Total electrical energy sent to the network:
It refers to the amount of electricity delivered from all generation plants to the transmission or distribution network during a specific period (typically one year).
•    Total electrical energy consumed:
It is the total amount of electricity actually used by all economic sectors and final consumers during a specific period (typically one year).
•    Electrical energy consumption by consumption category:
It refers to the amount of electricity used by each category of final consumers during a specific period (typically one year).
•    Electrical energy consumption categories:
They are regulatory classifications of electricity subscribers aimed at allocating and analyzing consumption based on the nature of activity. The main categories typically include:
-    Residential:
Consumption by households and private dwellings.
-    Commercial:
Consumption by commercial activities such as shops and offices.
-    Industrial:
Consumption by factories and industrial establishments.
-    Government:
Consumption by government entities and facilities.
-    Other types:
Includes consumption that does not fall under the above categories, such as public facilities and agriculture.
•    Electrical energy sold by consumption categories and administrative regions:
 It is the amount of electricity sold by the service provider to subscribers, distributed by consumption categories and administrative regions.
•    Number of electricity consumers:
It refers to the total number of subscribers registered with electricity companies who receive electricity supply services. This includes all categories (residential, industrial, commercial, government, and other consumption categories such as agricultural, health, education, and water desalination).
•    Percentage of electrical energy loss in transmission and distribution networks:
It refers to the percentage of electricity lost during its transmission from generation plants through the transmission network, then to the distribution network, and finally to end consumers.
•    Average electrical energy consumption per capita – Residential category:
It refers to the average amount of electricity consumed per person within the residential consumption category during a specific period (typically one year).
•     Average electrical energy consumption per consumer – Residential category:
It refers to the average amount of electricity consumed by a single consumer within the residential consumption category during a specific period (typically one year).
•    Average electrical energy consumption per household – Residential category:
It refers to the average amount of electricity consumed by a single household within the residential consumption category during a specific period (typically one year).
•    Population projections and estimates:
Future estimations of the total population size and its age and gender distribution, based on the results of the population and housing census and on certain assumptions regarding the future trends of fertility, mortality, and migration rates.

Data sources

The data for Electrical Energy Statistics is based on two sources:
First source: Registry data from the following government agencies:
•    Ministry of Energy:
Electrical Energy Statistics data is collected from the Ministry of Energy through administrative records, which are quantitative in nature (including figures and percentages).
Second source: Secondary data.
Secondary data is used to support the calculation of statistical indicators by integrating the Ministry of Energy’s data with population estimates issued by the General Authority for Statistics for the calculation of the following indicators:
•    Average electrical energy consumption per capita – Residential category.
•    Average electrical energy consumption per household – Residential category.

Designing the data collection tool

Data were collected using standardized data request forms sent to the data-providing entities to obtain periodic, harmonized, and well-documented data derived from administrative records related to electrical energy indicators.

Questionnaire test (cognitive test)

Not applicable, as the product is registry-based and relies on administrative data available from the relevant authorities.

Statistical population

The statistical population for Electrical Energy Statistics consists of all business regions and administrative regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where electrical energy is produced or consumed. This includes all electricity-producing establishments affiliated with the relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Energy, the Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority, and the Saudi Electricity Company, in addition to subscribers and beneficiaries of electricity services across the various regions of the Kingdom, representing the different consumption categories (residential, commercial, industrial, government, and others).
This population is based on a registry framework derived from the data of entities that provide and operate electricity generation, distribution, and consumption activities within the Kingdom.

Sample Design

Not applicable. As the product is registry-based and relies on administrative data available from the relevant authorities.

Statistical unit (sampling unit)

The statistical unit is the establishment engaged in electrical energy production, distribution, and consumption activities. It covers generation plants and units when measuring data related to capacity, delivered energy, and losses, and registered subscribers with the service provider when measuring consumption and sales data.

Data collection

Data collection from administrative records:
The data for the Electrical Energy Statistics publication is obtained from the Ministry of Energy through administrative records, in addition to statistical data from the General Authority for Statistics, and is stored in the databases of the General Authority for Statistics. 

Data collection frequency 

The data collection process for Electrical Energy Statistics is carried out annually.

Reference area

Electrical Energy Statistics cover data at two geographical levels within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which are:
•    Administrative regions:
The Electrical Energy Statistics data includes information based on the administrative division of the Kingdom into 13 administrative regions.
•    Business regions:
The regions approved by the Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority at the Kingdom level.
The publication also includes a number of indicators at the Kingdom level and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the electricity sector in the Kingdom. 

Reference period (time reference)

Electrical Energy Statistics data are referenced to the last day of the Gregorian year, in accordance with the reference period adopted for the administrative data sources received from the relevant entities.

Base period

Not applicable.

Measurement unit

•    Gigawatt (GW):
A unit of measurement for electrical power, commonly used to measure the capacity of electricity generation plants or the peak load of the electricity system.
•    Gigawatt-hour (GWh):
A unit of measurement for the total electrical energy produced or consumed over a specific period of time, such as a day, month, or year.
•    Kilowatt-hours per capita (kWh per capita):
A unit of measurement that expresses the average amount of electricity consumed per person over a specific period (typically one year).
•    Kilowatt-hours per consumer (kWh per consumer):
A unit of measurement that expresses the average electricity consumption per subscriber or electricity meter within a specific consumption category.
•    Kilowatt-hours per household (kWh per household):
A unit of measurement that expresses the average electricity consumption of a single household within the residential consumption category over a specific period (typically one year).

Time coverage

The data for the Electrical Energy Statistics Publication is available according to what is available from the administrative data approved by the relevant authorities. The publication includes indicators covering the period from 2010 to 2024, while some other indicators are available from 2019 to 2024.

Publication frequency

The results of the Electrical Energy Statistics are published annually according to the approved statistical plan.

Statistical processing

Error detection

Careful procedures are implemented to detect errors in administrative record data obtained from the relevant government entities, with supportive methods applied to measure quality indicators, following systematic procedures that ensure data accuracy and consistency. These included the following:
•    Identifying illogical or out-of-range values, such as electricity consumption quantities, licensed capacity for electricity generation, and other indicators.
•    Classifying the data and verifying its accuracy, with reference to the primary data source when any errors or data quality issues are detected.
•    Reviewing internal consistency between variables to ensure the logical relationships among values and indicators.
•    Comparing the provided data with previous records to ensure validity and prepare for data processing, results extraction, and review.
•     Reviewing data published by other official sources as supporting data, for comparison and verification of the accuracy of values and statistical trends.

Data integration and matching from multiple sources 

Electrical Energy Statistics rely on integrating data from multiple sources to calculate some of their indicators, with the aim of achieving data integration and enhancing the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the statistics.
 This is carried out by utilizing administrative record data from the Ministry of Energy and linking them with statistical data issued by the General Authority for Statistics to calculate composite indicators that reflect consumption and usage patterns.

Imputation and calibration

Handling missing values (Imputation):
Statistical imputation or calibration methods are not applied in Electrical Energy Statistics, as they rely on complete administrative and registry data. In cases where any data gaps or inconsistencies are detected, the data-issuing entity is contacted directly to complete the missing information and ensure consistency before the data is approved for inclusion in the publication.
Procedures for calculating variables and aggregates:
Percentage of electrical energy consumed by consumption categories:
To calculate the percentage of electrical energy consumed for each consumption category (residential, commercial, industrial, government, and others), the total consumption of each category is divided by the total electricity consumption, and the result is multiplied by 100.
Calculation method:
•    Percentage of electrical energy consumed for the category =     × 100

Average electrical energy consumption per capita – Residential category.
To calculate the average annual per capita electrical energy consumption in the residential sector, the total residential electricity consumption is multiplied by 1,000,000 to convert from gigawatt-hours to kilowatt-hours and then divided by the number of individuals (population) living in occupied housing units during the same reference period.
Calculation method:
•    Average annual electrical energy consumption per capita– Residential category =    

Average annual electricity consumption per consumer – Residential category.
To calculate the average annual electricity consumption per consumer in the residential sector, the total residential electricity consumption is multiplied by 1,000,000 to convert from gigawatt-hours to kilowatt-hours and then divided by the number of residential electricity consumers during the same reference period.
Calculation method:
•    Average annual electrical energy consumption per consumer – Residential category =    

Average annual electricity consumption per household – Residential category.
To calculate the average annual electricity consumption per household in the residential sector, the total residential electricity consumption is multiplied by 1,000,000 to convert from gigawatt-hours to kilowatt-hours and then divided by the total number of occupied housing units during the same reference period.
Calculation method:
•    Average annual electrical energy consumption per household – Residential category = 

Seasonal adjustments

Not applicable, as the final results for each year are published based on administrative data from official sources.

Adjustment of preliminary results 

Not applicable, as the results are published in their final form and not released as preliminary results.

Quality dimensions

Suitability

A standard that measures the extent to which the product meets the needs of users.

User needs 

The Electrical Energy Statistics product aims to provide fundamental and structured data on the electrical energy sector and to build a reliable information base that supports decision-makers and researchers. It also contributes to preparing studies and conducting local, regional, and international comparisons to develop this vital sector.
Key variables that users benefit from include:
•    Licensed capacity for electrical energy generation.
•    Total electrical energy sent to the network.
•    Electrical energy consumed.
•    Electrical energy sold by consumption categories and administrative regions.
•    Annual average electrical energy consumption for each of (individual, consumer, and household) within the residential consumption category.
Users of Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics include: 
Internal users at the General Authority for Statistics for electrical energy statistics data:
•    International Indicators Department.
•    National accounts and price statistics.
Several external users and beneficiaries who greatly rely on Electrical Energy Statistics data, including:

•    Government entities.
•    Regional and international organizations.
•    Research institutions.
•    Media.
•    Individuals.

Completeness 

A comprehensive review of the submitted data was carried out to ensure its completeness and alignment with national requirements and international standards, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators and other relevant indicators. This review aimed to guarantee the accuracy, comprehensiveness, and alignment of the data with international standards.
Electrical Energy Statistics are based on administrative data received from the Ministry of Energy, as well as data derived from the General Authority for Statistics.
Key elements required to be included in the publication: 
•    Licensed capacity for electrical energy generation.
•    Peak load.
•    Total electrical energy sent to the network.
•    Total electrical energy consumed.
•    Electrical energy sold by consumption categories and administrative regions.
•    Average annual per capita electrical energy consumption – Residential category.
•    Average annual electricity consumption per household – Residential category.

Accuracy and reliability 

A standard that measures how close the calculations or estimates are to the exact or true values that reflect reality.

Overall accuracy 

Errors that may be detected and affect data accuracy:
•    Updating administrative records:
Minor variations may exist between the data received from the source and the data published in annual reports and open data, due to delays in updates or differences in the reference period for some indicators.
•    Data aggregation errors:
Totals may not match the details by administrative regions or business regions due to differences in aggregation methods or category classifications at the source.
Data accuracy and reliability are ensured through the following procedures:
•    Periodic review and verification of administrative data received from the Ministry of Energy.
•    Verifying the coherence between variables such as peak load, electrical energy sold, and licensed capacity for electricity generation to ensure logical consistency among them.
•    Comparing data over time with previous years to identify any significant changes in values or patterns.
•    Ensuring internal consistency by verifying that aggregates match the details at the administrative region and business regions.
•    Cross-checking the data with information published by other official sources as supporting data for comparison and accuracy verification.
Matching the data with information published by other official sources as supporting data, to compare and verify data accuracy.
•    Applying multi-stage review procedures before approving the final results to ensure the stability and accuracy of statistical outputs.

Timeliness and punctuality 

A standard that measures the time gap between the availability of information and the occurrence of the event.
However, timeliness reflects the time difference between the date of data publication and the target date when it is actually published.

Timeliness 

The General Authority for Statistics is committed to applying internationally recognized standards regarding the announcement, clarification of the time of publishing statistics on its official website, as outlined in the statistical calendar, as well as adhering to the announced time of publication. In the event of any delay, updates will be provided accordingly.

Punctuality 

Electrical Energy Statistics are published in accordance with the release dates approved in the statistical calendar available on the General Authority for Statistics’ website, as per the timeline specified in the statistical calendar.

Coherence and comparability

Statistics should be consistent internally and over time, and logically interconnected across scope and statistical domains, meaning that data should be comparable across regions and countries as well as across different time periods for the same region, and data from diverse sources can be combined and used interchangeably.

Comparability – geographical

Statistical data related to electrical energy are fully geographically comparable across administrative regions and business regions within the Kingdom, as well as at the regional and international levels. This is based on the standards adopted in compiling electrical energy datasets, which are built on internationally approved concepts, definitions, and classifications issued by the relevant authorities.
In addition, the geographical distribution of business regions and administrative regions has not undergone any changes during the reference period, ensuring the stability of spatial comparisons and preventing any impact on key indicators or their related variables.

Comparability - over time 

Electrical Energy Statistics data are fully comparable over time, taking into account certain changes.
The following are the key changes that have occurred in the publication over the past years:
•    2018:
The release of the first registry-based publication covering Electrical Energy Statistics for the period 2010–2018.
•    2019:
Electrical Energy Statistics were not published due to the COVID-19 pandemic and were later released within the time series in the 2020 publication.
•    2021:
A data gap exists regarding the amount of electrical energy delivered to the grid (produced) at the Kingdom level, in addition to data on the percentage of fuel consumed in electricity generation plants by type of fuel, due to unavailability from the source.
•    2022:
The publication was not released due to challenges in data availability; however, it was later published as part of the time series in the 2023 release.
•    2023:
All available electrical energy data obtained from the source have been published within the time series up to 2023, which supports the continuity of the time series and enhances comparability over the years. However, a data gap exists regarding the amount of electrical energy produced by desalination plants, in addition to data on the percentage of fuel consumed in electricity generation plants by type of fuel.

Coherence- Cross domain

Electrical Energy Statistics data undergo standardized verification and validation procedures. Data consistency is ensured by comparing it with data published in other statistical releases, such as Energy Efficiency Statistics and Household Energy Statistics, to ensure alignment of indicators and avoid any discrepancies across statistical publications.

Coherence- Sub-annual and annual statistics 

Not applicable.

Coherence- National Accounts 

Electrical Energy Statistics are aligned with national accounts requirements through the adoption of energy statistical classifications, such as the Standard International Energy Classification (SIEC). The results of the publication — particularly production and consumption quantities — are used as key inputs for estimating the contribution of the electricity sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) within the national accounts framework. Continuous coordination with national accounts statistics ensures consistency between the publication's results and macroeconomic indicators.

Coherence- Internal 

The Electrical Energy Statistics publication is internally consistent, as the statistics within each dataset are logically sequenced and the different measures—such as totals, averages, and percentages—are coherent and aligned.
Internal consistency is verified through:
•    Ensuring that data logically align with one another within the overall context of the bulletin.
•    Matching aggregates with details by administrative regions, stations, and consumption categories.
•    Reviewing relationships between indicators such as peak load, energy sold, and licensed electricity generation capacities to ensure consistency.

Accessibility and clarity

The ability for users to access data, the availability of accurate or complete data, and the availability of a methodology and quality report.

Press releases

The announcements for each publication are available on the statistical calendar as mentioned in 9.1. The press releases can be viewed on the website of GASTAT at the link:
Press release

Publications

GASTAT is keen to publish its publications in a way that serves all users of different types, including publications in different formats that contain publication tables, data graphs, indicators, and methodology and quality reports in both English and Arabic.
The results of the Electrical energy statistics are available at:
Electrical energy statistics

Online database

The data is published on the statistical database on the link:
Data confidentiality at the General Authority for Statistics

Microdata accessibility

Not available.

References and standards

Electrical Energy Statistics Framework:
The General Authority for Statistics conducts all its statistical activities according to a unified methodology that aligns with the nature of each statistical product. It relies on a Statistical Business Procedures Manual that is consistent with the work procedures adopted by international organizations, in coordination with the relevant authorities.
•    For more details, you can refer to the attachment. 
Generic Statistical Business Process Model(GSBPM)
•    International Recommendations for Energy Statistics (IRES):
Concepts, definitions, issues, and classifications aligned with the international recommendations for energy statistics adopted by the United Nations Statistics Division.
International Recommendations for Energy Statistics (IRES)

Quality assurance

GASTAT considers the following principles: Impartiality, ensuring that the statistical product is user-oriented, maintaining the quality of processes and outputs, enhancing the effectiveness of statistical operations, and reducing the burden on respondents. 
Data is validated through procedures and quality controls that are applied during the process at various stages, such as data entry, data collection, and other final controls.

Quality assessment

GASTAT performs all statistical activities according to a national model (Generic Statistical Business Process Model – GSBPM). According to the GSBPM, the final stage of statistical activities is overall evaluation using information gathered in each stage or sub-process. This information is used to prepare the evaluation report, which outlines all the quality issues related to the specific statistical activity and serves as input for improvement actions.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality – Policy

According to Royal Decree No. 23 dated 07/12/1379, data must always be kept confidential and must be used by GASTAT for statistical purposes only.
Therefore, the data is protected in the data servers of GASTAT.

Confidentiality - Data Treatment

Data were displayed in appropriate tables to facilitate their summarization, comprehension, and results extraction. Also, to compare data with other data and extract statistical meanings for the study community. It is also easier to check tables without the need to see any sensitive or confidential data, which violates the confidentiality of statistical data.

Publishing policy

Statistical calendar

Electrical Energy Statistics are included in the statistical calendar.
Statistical Calendar

User access

One of the objectives of the General Authority for Statistics is to better meet the needs of its users; therefore, the results of the Electrical Energy Statistics publication are made available to all users immediately upon release.
It also receives questions and enquiries from clients about the publication and its results through various communication channels, such as:
•    GASTAT official website:  www.stats.gov.sa
•    GASTAT official email address:  info@stats.gov.sa
•    Official visits to GASTAT’s official head office in Riyadh or one of its branches in Saudi Arabia.
•    Official letters.
•    Statistical telephone: (199009).