Understanding and projecting long-term electricity demand is a fundamental input for power system expansion. It is also a tool for investment planning and energy policy formulation. Saudi and the region’s electricity demand has been growing at a fast pace over the past decades for several reasons: low regulated electricity tariffs, population, and economic growth increasing living standards.
\nHowever, the implementation of energy price reforms and broader structural changes within the Saudi and region’s economies caused a flattening in electricity demand. Therefore, the region’s policymakers are facing several uncertainties regarding future electricity demand patterns. Moreover, disruptive loads and new emerging technologies are posing a new set of challenges for the electricity industry.
\nWill the observed slowdown of electricity demand be a transitory effect or a long-lasting weakening of electricity demand growth in Saudi Arabia and the region? How will the new loads change the outlook of electricity demand?