Riyadh, November 26, 2024 – The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released its highly anticipated Household Energy Statistics Publication for 2023 today, providing an in-depth analysis of residential energy consumption patterns across Saudi Arabia.
The report offers valuable insights into regional energy usage, with the Riyadh Region leading the nation in residential electricity consumption, accounting for 28.1% of the total. The Makkah Region followed closely with 25.5%, while the Eastern Region contributed 16.7%. On the other end of the spectrum, the Al-Baha Region recorded the lowest electricity consumption, with a mere 0.9%, highlighting significant regional disparities in energy usage across the Kingdom.
Further analysis within the publication reveals that water heating appliances were among the most energy-intensive household items, with an average of 62.1 hours of operation per week in 2023. Air conditioning units also showed considerable usage, running for an average of 51.5 hours weekly. In colder months, heating appliances averaged 17.9 hours of operation per week. Cooking appliances, though less energy-demanding, were still in regular use, averaging 6.8 hours of operation per week.
The survey also reveals a noteworthy trend toward energy conservation among Saudi households. According to the findings, 92.1% of households expressed a strong interest in reducing their energy consumption. Furthermore, 83.6% of households reported actively practicing energy-saving methods when operating their household appliances. This trend reflects a growing awareness of environmental sustainability and the importance of efficient energy use within the Kingdom.
In addition to these energy-saving practices, a significant portion of households—55.2%—demonstrated a willingness to invest in modern, energy-efficient appliances to further reduce their energy consumption. This inclination suggests that Saudi consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability when making purchasing decisions.
Interestingly, the data also pointed to a growing interest in renewable energy. Specifically, 42.3% of households expressed a strong interest in adopting solar energy solutions for their homes, marking a promising shift toward alternative energy sources that could complement the Kingdom’s broader renewable energy ambitions.
In terms of cooking energy sources, the majority of households—98.4%—utilized various forms of energy for meal preparation. The dominant energy source for cooking remains gas, used by 89% of households. Electricity is the second most common energy source for cooking, with 9.3% of households relying on it. A small minority, 0.1%, reported using alternative energy sources for cooking, further illustrating the continued reliance on conventional energy forms in the residential sector.
The data in the publication was derived from two primary sources: the comprehensive Household Energy Survey, which gathered direct insights from households across the Kingdom, and administrative records obtained from the Ministry of Energy. These sources ensured the reliability and accuracy of the findings, offering a thorough and representative snapshot of residential energy consumption trends in Saudi Arabia.
The Household Energy Statistics Publication is an essential resource for policymakers, researchers, and energy stakeholders, providing critical data to inform future energy planning and conservation strategies. With the Kingdom's growing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, the report underscores the importance of continued investment in energy-saving technologies and the exploration of alternative energy sources like solar power to meet the needs of Saudi households while reducing environmental impact.
The full report can be accessed through GASTAT’s official website, providing a detailed breakdown of the statistics and offering further insights into the residential energy landscape across Saudi Arabia.