Electricity restored in the Eastern Province: Urgent investigation and compensation for those affected
The Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority officially announced the full restoration of electricity service to all consumers affected by the sudden power outage that impacted parts of the Eastern Province yesterday (Thursday), December 18. The Authority explained that the outage began at 2:09 PM, and technical efforts continued until power was fully restored at 5:49 PM, after ensuring the stability of the network and the safety of the supply.
Technical investigation and strict control procedures
In its oversight role, the Authority confirmed that it immediately began its work upon detecting the outage, issuing urgent directives to the Saudi Electricity Company to conduct a comprehensive technical and operational investigation. This investigation aims to identify the root causes of the malfunction, and the company is required to submit a detailed report outlining the investigation's findings and the corrective measures taken to ensure such incidents do not recur in the future, thereby enhancing network reliability.
Consumer rights and automatic compensation
The authority emphasized its full commitment to protecting consumer rights, noting that it will verify the service provider's compliance with the "Electricity Service Level Standards Guide," also known as the Guaranteed Standards. In a move aimed at streamlining procedures for citizens and residents, the authority affirmed that appropriate action will be taken regarding any shortcomings, including the automatic disbursement of compensation to eligible customers without requiring any claims from consumers. This will be done in accordance with the approved regulations that guarantee subscribers' rights in cases of service interruptions exceeding permissible limits.
The strategic importance of the Eastern Province
The stability of the electricity supply in the Eastern Province is of paramount importance, given its role as the industrial and economic heart of Saudi Arabia. The region is home to major oil and petrochemical companies and industrial cities in Jubail and Dammam, making the continuity of electricity service vital not only for the daily lives of residents but also for the continued operation of production and the national economy. The Authority's commitment to swift action and investigation reflects the strategic importance of this vital region.
Enhancing reliability within Vision 2030
These decisive measures by the Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority are in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes quality of life and infrastructure efficiency. Through these regulations, the Kingdom aims to enhance the efficiency of the electricity sector, ensure energy security, and provide highly reliable services that meet international standards, thereby strengthening the investment environment and improving the well-being of citizens and residents throughout the Kingdom.
