Saudi Energy Digital Transformation for a Multi-Utility Operator

A multi-utility Saudi operator managing electricity, water, and district-cooling services required a unified digital-transformation program to modernize operations. The operator’s infrastructure included grid networks, pumping stations, treatment plants, and cooling plants across several regions. Leadership aimed to integrate digital systems across all utilities to improve operational efficiency, reduce losses, support predictive maintenance, and enhance service reliability. The organization sought a long-term transformation roadmap aligned with Saudi digital-economy targets.

We developed a multi-utility Digital Transformation Blueprint integrating SCADA modernization, smart metering, field automation, predictive maintenance, and customer digital services. The blueprint defined an integrated data architecture enabling cross-utility visibility, performance analytics, and centralized monitoring. IoT sensors were recommended for pumping stations, cooling plants, and distribution networks to enhance real-time operational control. Predictive analytics models were designed to anticipate leaks, equipment failures, and demand fluctuations. The blueprint provided a scalable roadmap enabling long-term innovation and operational excellence.

• Conducted an enterprise-wide digital readiness assessment across all utility divisions.
• Designed an integrated data architecture connecting electricity, water, and cooling systems.
• Evaluated existing SCADA systems and proposed modernization pathways.
• Developed predictive maintenance models for pumps, chillers, transformers, and pipelines.
• Designed customer digital services including consumption dashboards and billing automation.
• Built a phased transformation roadmap covering technology deployment, capability building, and governance.

• Implement full interoperability across SCADA systems to ensure cross-utility visibility.
• Deploy smart meters for electricity, water, and cooling to unify customer and operational data.
• Digitize field operations using mobile workforce management tools.
• Adopt IoT sensors and advanced monitoring systems across pumping and cooling stations.
• Strengthen cybersecurity protocols across digitalized infrastructure.
• Establish a centralized digital transformation office to govern all technology initiatives.

Digital transformation reduced technical losses across utilities by 19%, generating combined annual savings of SAR 38.6 million. Predictive maintenance reduced equipment failure incidents by 27%, saving SAR 10.4 million in emergency repairs. Smart-meter deployment improved billing accuracy by 95%, reducing revenue leakage and enhancing customer trust. Over a five-year period, cumulative financial benefits exceeded SAR 185 million, driven by improved operational efficiency, reduced losses, and enhanced service reliability.