Why do most similar calculators get it wrong?
Saudi residential electricity tariffs are tiered: 18 halalas per kWh for the first 6,000 kWh monthly, then 30 halalas beyond that, plus 15% VAT. Most simple "appliance cost" calculators multiply consumption by a single flat rate — which is wrong if your total consumption is close to the 6,000 kWh threshold.
The key difference here: this calculator computes the appliance's real cost by comparing your full bill with and without it, not a simple multiplication. If your current consumption is close to 6,000 kWh, this appliance's consumption may be partly or fully billed at the higher rate (30 halalas).
FAQ
What's the point of entering "my current consumption without the appliance"?
Because the cost of any additional kWh depends on where you sit in the pricing tier. An appliance using 100 kWh might cost you only SAR 18 if you're in the first tier, or SAR 30 if your total consumption already exceeds 6,000 kWh.
Does this include the fixed meter reading fee?
No, intentionally — the fixed fee doesn't change based on any one appliance's use, so it has no place in a marginal cost calculation for a specific appliance.
Source
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) — tiered residential tariff, unchanged since January 1, 2018.
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Last updated: July 2026
This calculator is an estimate and doesn't include fixed fees or other items on your actual bill. Read the full disclaimer.