Methodology and Quality Update
Latest Update on Methodology and Quality
2025 / 12 / 21
Statistical Presentation
Data description
The Energy Efficiency Statistics publication is an annual publication aimed at providing beneficiaries and decision-makers with updated data on energy efficiency in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The publication includes detailed indicators on energy-efficiency performance, electricity consumption rates by consumption sector, Average per capita energy consumption, and electricity conservation. These indicators are presented in the form of statistical tables and analytical reports.
The Energy Efficiency Statistics include the following main characteristics:
• Energy efficiency performance
• Electricity consumption rate
• Average per capita energy consumption
• Energy consumption rationalization
Classifications
The following classifications are applied in Energy Efficiency Statistics:
Standard International Energy Product Classification (SIEC):
It is a statistical classification endorsed by the United Nations for the standardized organization and classification of energy products, ensuring the consistency of energy statistics and their international comparability. It covers all products related to the production, transformation, and consumption of energy.
Standard International Energy Product Classification (SIEC):
Statistical concepts and definitions
Terms and concepts of Energy Efficiency Statistics:
• Energy Efficiency:
Energy efficiency is defined as using less energy while maintaining the same performance. It represents the amount of energy required to produce or operate an energy component to deliver a certain level of service with reduced energy inputs.
• Energy Efficiency Statistics:
A set of data and information related to the effective and sustainable use of energy. These statistics aim to measure and analyze energy performance across various sectors, helping to achieve sustainability goals and reduce energy losses.
• Energy Consumption Intensity:
The amount of primary energy consumed to produce one unit of GDP, measured in barrels of oil equivalent per million SAR of GDP.
• Primary Energy Savings:
It represents the direct savings resulting from energy-efficiency improvement initiatives.
• Volume of carbon emissions reduced as a result of implementing energy efficiency initiatives:
This refers to the amount of carbon dioxide emissions that have been decreased due to the implementation of energy efficiency initiatives compared to the emission levels prior to their implementation.
• Electricity Consumption Rate in the Building Sector:
Amount of Energy Consumption in the Building Sector, which includes the residential, governmental, and commercial sectors, measured in megawatt-hours (MWh).
• Electricity Consumption Rate in the Residential Sector:
It is the rate of energy consumption in the residential sector, measured in megawatt-hours (MWh).
• Electricity Consumption Rate in the Commercial Sector:
It is the rate of energy consumption in the commercial sector, measured in megawatt-hours (MWh).
• Electricity Consumption Rate in the Government Sector:
It is the rate of energy consumption in the government sector, measured in megawatt-hours (MWh).
• Electricity Consumption Rate in the Industrial Sector:
It is the rate of energy consumption in the Industrial sector, measured in megawatt-hours (MWh).
• Electricity Consumption Rate in other Sectors:
it is the rate of energy consumption in other sectors, which include the agricultural, health, educational, and water desalination sectors. It is measured in megawatt-hours (MWh).
• Average per capita consumption of total electricity consumed:
This is the amount of electricity consumed by each individual in the population as part of the total electricity consumption. It is measured in kilowatt-hours per person (kWh/person).
• Average per capita consumption of liquefied petroleum gases (LPG):
This is the amount of liquefied petroleum gases consumed by each individual in the population as part of the total LPG consumption. It is measured in liters per person (L/person).
• Average per capita consumption of gasoline:
This is the amount of gasoline consumed by each individual in the population as part of the total gasoline consumption. It is measured in liters per person (L/person).
• Average per capita electricity consumption by residential consumption category:
This is the amount of electricity consumed per individual in the population within a specific residential consumption category over a defined period. It is measured in kilowatt-hours per person (kWh/person).
Data sources
The data in the Energy Efficiency Statistics publication are based on two main sources:
First source: Register-based data from the following government entities:
• Ministry of Energy ecosystem:
Energy efficiency statistics are collected from administrative data maintained by the Ministry of Energy ecosystem. These data are quantitative in nature, as they include numerical values related to energy-efficiency indicators.
Second source: Surveys and statistical publications issued by the General Authority for Statistics:
• Electrical Energy Statistics publication
• Oil and Gas Statistics publication
• Household energy statistics publication
Data from GASTAT products are used to support the calculation of energy efficiency indicators by integrating them with the administrative data from the Ministry of Energy. This allows for the computation of several key indicators, including:
• Average per capita consumption of total electricity consumed.
• Average per capita consumption of liquefied petroleum gases (LPG).
• Average per capita consumption of gasoline.
• Average per capita electricity consumption by residential consumption sector.
• Percentage of dwellings with thermal insulation across the Kingdom.
• Percentage of households interested in conserving electricity consumption in the dwelling at the Kingdom Level.
• Percentage of households applying energy consumption conserving instructions in the use of electrical appliances at the Kingdom level.
Designing the data collection tool
The administrative data are collected using standardized data request tables sent to the data-owning entities. The aim is to obtain periodic, coordinated, and verified data derived from administrative records related to energy-efficiency indicators, ensuring data quality and achieving integration between the various data sources.
Questionnaire test (cognitive test)
Not applicable, as the product is registry-based and relies on registry data available from the relevant authorities.
Statistical population
The statistical population for energy efficiency statistics represents a vital tool for understanding energy consumption in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These statistics rely on reliable data from several key entities, such as the Ministry of Energy, which provides comprehensive reports on policies and initiatives related to energy efficiency, and the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center, which supplies information on energy-efficiency performance across various sectors. The Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority also contributes by providing accurate statistics on electricity consumption across multiple categories, while GASTAT offers population and economic data that support the estimation of consumption rates.
This statistical population is based on close collaboration between the Ministry of Energy ecosystem and GASTAT, ensuring effective information exchange and regular updating of the data.
Sample Design
Not applicable, as the product is registry-based and relies on administrative data available from the relevant entities, in addition to statistical data from the General Authority for Statistics.
Statistical unit (sampling unit)
The entity responsible for producing energy-efficiency data or indicators refers to departments, centers, or programs within the Ministry of Energy ecosystem or other relevant entities. Data are collected directly from these entities without modifying their definitions or characteristics, ensuring comprehensive coverage and accurate representation of the target statistical population.
Data collection
Data collection from administrative records:
In coordination with the relevant departments of GASTAT's Data Collection department, administrative data for the Energy Efficiency Statistics publication are obtained from the Ministry of Energy. These data include energy intensity, energy savings, and energy consumption rates across several sectors, including the building sector, residential sector, and commercial sector.
These data are stored in the GASTAT databases after verification and review processes in accordance with approved statistical methods and recognized quality standards, with reference to the data source in case errors are detected or comments on the data arise.
Data collection frequency
Data collection process for energy efficiency statistics is carried out on an annual basis.
Reference area
Energy Efficiency Statistics Publication covers data across Saudi Arabia.
Reference period (time reference)
References period to the variables or dataset as following:
Energy Efficiency Statistics data are referenced to the last day of the Gregorian year, in accordance with the reference period adopted for the administrative data sources received from the relevant entities.
Base period
Not applicable.
Measurement unit
• Indicators measured in barrels of oil equivalent per million riyals (energy consumption intensity by sector).
• Indicators measured in thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (primary energy savings from energy-efficiency initiatives).
• Indicators measured in million tons of CO₂ equivalent (volume of carbon emissions reduced as a result of implementing energy-efficiency initiatives).
• Indicators measured in megawatt-hours per consumer (e.g., electricity consumption rate in the building, residential, commercial, government, industrial, and other sectors).
• Indicators measured in kilowatt-hours per capita (average per capita consumption of total electricity consumed).
• Indicators measured in liters per capita (average per capita consumption of liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) and gasoline).
• Indicators measured in kilowatt-hours per capita (average per capita electricity consumption by residential consumption sector).
• Indicators measured as percentages (e.g., percentage of households with thermal insulation across the Kingdom).
Time coverage
Energy Efficiency Statistics publication data are made available based on the registry data approved and maintained by the relevant entities. The publication includes indicators covering the period from 2020 to 2024, while some other indicators are available from 2021 to 2024.
Publication frequency
The publication is issued annually within a fixed timeframe, ensuring continuous monitoring and tracking of developments in energy-efficiency indicators.
Statistical processing
Error detection
A set of methodological procedures is applied in the Energy Efficiency Statistics publication to ensure the accuracy of administrative data obtained from the records of relevant government entities. These procedures systematically detect errors and assess data quality before approval.
These included the following:
• Initial verification of values:
Identifying illogical or out-of-range values by examining the data for validity and conducting preliminary analyses to test internal consistency among the values.
• Data categorization and source review:
Organizing the data and verifying its accuracy, with reference to the original source whenever any observations or errors are detected, to ensure the correctness of the values before proceeding to the next stages.
• Internal consistency review:
Examining the relationships between variables to ensure the logical coherence of indicators and to avoid internal contradictions that may affect the final results.
• Temporal verification (time-series consistency):
Comparing current data with previous data to ensure the integrity of time series and continuity of trends before finalizing the results.
• External comparative verification:
Reviewing published data from supporting official sources and using it to compare and verify the accuracy of values and statistical trends, thereby enhancing the reliability of the results.
• Correction procedures when errors are detected:
If any error or inconsistency is found during the processing stages, the data-providing entity is contacted for clarification or correction. The adjustment and its reasons are documented, and consistency and quality checks are repeated before the data are finally approved in the publication
Data integration and matching from multiple sources
Energy Efficiency Statistics rely on integrating data from multiple sources for the calculation of certain indicators, in order to achieve data integration and enhance their accuracy and comprehensiveness. This is carried out by utilizing administrative record data from the Ministry of Energy and linking them with statistical data issued by the General Authority for Statistics to calculate composite indicators that reflect consumption and usage patterns.
Imputation and calibration
Data are monitored and validated to ensure their accuracy and to confirm that there are no discrepancies due to differences in measurement methods. This process provides a more precise representation of the data and verifies that the recorded values accurately reflect the actual situation.
Procedures for calculating variables and aggregates:
Energy consumption intensity by sector:
- Total energy consumption intensity = Energy intensity in the building sector + Energy intensity in the transportation sector + Energy intensity in the industrial sector + Energy intensity in other sectors
*Buildings sector: Buildings sector includes the residential, government, and commercial sectors.
Primary energy savings from energy efficiency initiatives by sector:
- Total primary energy savings = savings in the building sector + savings in the transportation sector + savings in the industrial sector + savings in the utilities sector
*Buildings sector: Buildings sector includes the residential, government, and commercial sectors.
*Utilities sector: Includes activities related to electricity generation, combined production, water desalination, and electricity transmission and distribution networks.
Volume of carbon emissions reduced as a result of implementing energy efficiency initiatives
The raw data are verified, and the values are reviewed by year to ensure the logical direction of changes and the absence of outliers.
The annual change rate is also calculated as follows: