Electricity Law

The Ministry shall, without prejudice to the jurisdictions of other government agencies and to achieve the objectives of this Law, undertake the following: 1. Prepare draft policies and strategies for the electricity sector. 2. Oversee relevant agencies regarding relevant policies and strategies approved in accordance with paragraph (1) of this Article. 3. Develop plans and programs and conduct studies necessary for the electricity sector in coordination with relevant agencies, and approve, issue, update the same, and ensure their implementation. 4. Develop a long-term plan for the electricity activity in coordination with the Authority, and approve such plan according to approved policies and strategies and monitor the implementation thereof. The plan shall include: a) determining the type of fuel available to the electricity sector; b) determining the percentages of various energy sources used in the optimum energy mix for the production of electricity; c) interconnecting, reinforcing, and upgrading the electricity network in the Kingdom, and providing electricity to off-grid areas; and d) maintaining an adequate reserve of power generators at generation or production stations as well as ensuring an adequate capacity at transmission and distribution networks. 5. Represent the Kingdom and its interests in relevant local, regional, and international organizations and bodies, in matters relating to the Ministry’s duties, including electrical interconnection and commercial exchange of electricity with other countries. The Ministry may delegate such powers or part thereof to other government agencies. 6. Take necessary measures in the event of an existing or imminent threat to the Kingdom's supply of fuel or electricity. In such case, it shall temporarily have exceptional powers to control electricity resources and fuel reserves of licensees, in coordination with relevant agencies. 7. Establish a long-term program, in coordination with relevant agencies, to support national industry in the electricity sector; localize modern technology; develop human resources; and increase local content by setting and enforcing a mechanism to localize jobs, goods, and services in the electricity sector, as well as create and develop an investment environment for the supply chains of industries related to the electricity sector, especially for small and medium enterprises. 8. Conduct studies and support research and development in the electricity Electricity Law sector. 9. Coordinate with relevant agencies in monitoring the implementation of approved programs for conserving electricity and raising the efficiency of its production and consumption. 10. Develop and document databases, statistical data, and technical information relating to the electricity sector; conduct surveys; and prepare reports thereon. 11. Propose amendments to this Law in coordination with the Authority.