The Household Energy Survey in Saudi Arabia is an annual statistical study conducted by the General Authority for Statistics. Launched in 2017, it provides accurate data on household energy sources, consumption patterns, and the adoption of alternative energy. This survey is vital for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders, as it shapes energy efficiency strategies and supports the Kingdom’s sustainable development goals.
Process of the Household Energy Survey
The survey covers households across all thirteen administrative provinces of the Kingdom. Data collection includes information on:
- Housing types and components.
- Conditioned and heated areas.
- Types of fuels used for cooking and electricity sources.
- Energy consumption patterns and their influence on societal behavior.
By analyzing these aspects, the survey develops a comprehensive statistical database that highlights how households consume energy and their readiness to adopt solar energy solutions.
Objectives of the Survey
The Household Energy Survey in Saudi Arabia was designed to:
- Provide realistic estimates of energy consumption across the household sector.
- Identify types of fuel used in homes, such as gas, electricity, solar, and biomass.
- Examine how social, economic, and geographic factors influence energy use.
- Measure household energy efficiency and track adoption of renewable energy, especially photovoltaic systems.
- Build a long-term database of consumption indicators to support national energy planning.
Results of the Household Energy Survey
2017
- 99.93% of households used electricity.
- 99.19% were connected to the public grid, while 0.61% relied on private grids and 0.13% on generators.
- 1.3% of households adopted solar energy.
- 92.16% relied on gas for cooking.
2018
- Public grid connections rose to 99.85%.
- Solar adoption increased to 1.45%.
- Gas use declined to 90.72%, while electric cooking rose to 8.74%.
- Biomass use (firewood, charcoal, agricultural waste) reached 8.22%.
2019
- Public grid coverage stood at 99.50%.
- Solar adoption grew to 1.60%.
- Gas use fell to 89.34%, while electricity for cooking rose to 10.18%.
- 85.29% of homes had separate electric meters.
2020
- Public grid coverage reached 99.47%.
- Solar use climbed to 1.81%.
- Gas for cooking declined to 85.31%.
2021
- Public grid coverage was 99.33%.
- Solar adoption reached 2.02%.
- Gas for cooking dropped further to 81.93%.
2022
- 98.4% of households connected to the public grid.
- 1.1% used private grids, and 0.1% relied on generators.
- Solar usage recorded 0.4%.
- Gas accounted for 98.3% of household fuel consumption.
- 84.8% of homes used independent electricity meters.
Conclusion
The Household Energy Survey in Saudi Arabia highlights shifting consumption trends, with electricity remaining dominant, gas widely used for cooking, and solar adoption gradually emerging. These insights help policymakers design energy strategies that promote efficiency, support renewable adoption, and align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for sustainability.
