SEC, the Saudi Electricity Company, uses a two-tier residential tariff revised in 2018: SAR 0.18 per kWh for the first 6,000 kWh a month and SAR 0.30 per kWh above that. Bills also include a fixed monthly meter charge of around SAR 10 for standard residential meters, and the entire bill is subject to 15 percent VAT introduced in July 2020. Commercial, industrial, agricultural, and governmental customers pay separate tariffs not covered here.
Worked example
A typical 3-bedroom Riyadh villa using 1,500 kWh in winter months: energy charge = 1,500 x 0.18 = SAR 270. Meter charge SAR 10. Subtotal SAR 280. VAT at 15 percent = SAR 42. Total bill SAR 322. Summer cooling can push consumption past 6,000 kWh; the marginal rate for that excess is SAR 0.30 per kWh.
Frequently asked questions
How is SEC residential tariff structured?
Two tiers: 0-6,000 kWh per month at SAR 0.18 per kWh and above 6,000 kWh at SAR 0.30 per kWh.
Is VAT charged on the SEC bill?
Yes. Saudi VAT at 15 percent is applied on top of the energy charge and the meter fee.
What is the SEC monthly meter charge?
Approximately SAR 10 per month for standard residential meters; commercial and industrial meters carry higher fixed charges.
Why is my actual SEC bill different?
Real bills include service charges, demand charges for high-load homes, and any subsidies or capacity adjustments specific to your meter and region.
Are commercial and industrial tariffs the same?
No. SEC publishes separate tariff schedules for residential, commercial, governmental, agricultural, and industrial customers. This calculator covers residential only.