Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has invited firms to submit offers for a contract to supply, install and maintain digital power and water meters through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

It is understood the initial phase entails the supply and installation of 500,000 smart meters.

Bids are expected to be submitted before the end of April.

The project comprises the initial phase of Saudi Arabia’s programme to install digital water and electricity meters nationwide.

Most GCC states have started implementing smart grid and metering solutions to foster more efficient power and water consumption.

Abu Dhabi pioneered the installation of electricity and water smart meters in the region a few years ago.

Installing smart meters is also part of Dubai’s smart grid programme. Dubai Electricity & Water Authority recently appointed US-based Silver Spring Networks to develop a platform that will facilitate electricity and water meter and distribution automation.

In 2016, Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) began implementing a nationwide smart metering system. Msheireb Downtown Doha is among the pilot sites for a digital power and water meter system implementation in the country.

Kuwait and Bahrain have also recently tendered smart metering packages.