Saudi Arabia announces utility tariff changes and citizen support packages

Saudi Arabia utility tariffs social security support electricity prices Nitaqat program

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has issued royal directives to implement a series of economic support measures for Saudi citizens, coinciding with upcoming adjustments to electricity and water tariffs. The new utility rates, announced by the Saudi Energy Company and the National Water Company, are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.

To mitigate the financial impact of these changes, the government will provide a monthly allowance of 500 riyals to several groups, including civil and military employees on service scales, retirees, and eligible family members of deceased retirees under the social insurance system. Additionally, families benefiting from the social security system will receive a monthly support payment of 500 riyals.

The electricity tariff adjustments include a new fixed monthly fee based on circuit breaker capacity, ranging from 70 to 100 riyals for residential sectors, replacing previous meter reading and maintenance fees. Residential consumption rates will rise to 21 halalas per kWh for usage up to 6,000 kWh and 33 halalas for usage exceeding that limit.

Water and sewage tariffs will also see significant changes. For the first residential tier (up to 15 cubic meters), the price will increase from 0.15 riyals to 1.5 riyals per cubic meter. Other tiers will see increases to 3, 6, and 9 riyals per cubic meter depending on consumption levels.

Furthermore, the government is raising minimum wage requirements for the 'Nitaqat' Saudization program. The minimum wage for a Saudi employee to be fully counted toward localization ratios will rise to 5,000 riyals after six months, and subsequently to 6,000 riyals after twelve months.

Entities

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud · Mohammed bin Salman · National Water Company · Prince Mohammed bin Salman · Saudi Arabia · Saudi Energy Company · Saudi Water National Company

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Residential electricity consumption up to 6,000 kWh will cost 21 halalas per kWh. amlak.net.sa · arabhelp.org · s.alwakeelnews.com
[● 5 SOURCES] The minimum wage for full Saudization credit in the Nitaqat program will rise to 5,000 riyals after six months. alkuwaitnews.net · alraynews.net · www.jazanvoice.com · www.makkahnews.sa · www.sada-tabuk.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Residential water consumption for the first tier (up to 15 m3) will increase from 0.15 to 1.5 riyals per cubic meter. arabhelp.org · s.alwakeelnews.com
[● 9 SOURCES] Families benefiting from social security will receive 500 riyals in monthly support. www.akhbrna.ae · alkuwaitnews.net · alraynews.net · www.jazanvoice.com · www.makkahnews.sa · +4 more
[● 10 SOURCES] New electricity and water tariffs will take effect on January 1, 2027. www.akhbrna.ae · alkuwaitnews.net · alraynews.net · amlak.net.sa · www.jazanvoice.com · +5 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Residential electricity will include a fixed monthly fee between 70 and 100 riyals based on circuit breaker capacity. amlak.net.sa · arabhelp.org · s.alwakeelnews.com
[● 9 SOURCES] Civil and military employees, retirees, and certain family members will receive a 500 riyal monthly increase. www.akhbrna.ae · alkuwaitnews.net · alraynews.net · www.jazanvoice.com · www.makkahnews.sa · +4 more
[● 5 SOURCES] The Nitaqat minimum wage will increase to 6,000 riyals after twelve months. alkuwaitnews.net · alraynews.net · www.jazanvoice.com · www.makkahnews.sa · www.sada-tabuk.com