Latest news with #NamaElectricityDistributionCompany
Observer
27-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
1.13 million electricity smart metres installed across Oman
MUSCAT: The rollout of smart electricity meters across the Sultanate of Oman crossed the 75 per cent mark at the end of last year, with the project on track to achieving 100 per cent coverage before the end of this year, according to the Nama Electricity Distribution Company (NEDC). Both NEDC, with a mandate covering all the governorates of Oman (with the exception of Dhofar) and Nama Dhofar Services (which is responsible for Dhofar Governorate), successfully installed 1.130 million smart meters across their respective jurisdictions as of December 31, 2024. The initiative, first launched in 2021 as part of the National Meter Reading Project, is key to the government's goal of driving the digital transformation of energy management. The pace of smart meter deployment has also picked up in recent years. 'NEDC's installations surged from 244,088 meters in 2021 to 1,008,958 meters in 2024, while Nama Dhofar expanded from 10,815 smart meters to 121,596 smart meters over the same period. The deployment rate saw a significant boost, rising from 26 per cent in 2022 to 46.17 per cent in 2023, and reaching 75.48 per cent in 2024,' NEDC — part of Nama Group — noted in its 2024 Annual Report. Significantly, meter reading performance — a source of customer unease over billing accuracy in the past — has now reached an impressive 96.17 per cent, said NEDC, citing the ongoing meter replacement drive as key to enhancing accuracy and reliability. 'By replacing outdated meters with modern, high-precision units, the company significantly improved meter reading efficiency, minimised discrepancies and proactively identified potential sources of energy loss,' the utility stated. Furthermore, to help address challenges associated with manual meter reading, particularly where existing analogy meters are installed within the locked premises of customers, NEDC says it has begun integrated advanced metering solutions into its operational framework. These measures have resulted in higher accuracy, reduced operational inefficiencies, and enhanced overall service quality, it pointed out. Also making headway is the implementation of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project, centring on the deployment of Automated Meter Reading (AMR) systems to modernise infrastructure, optimise operational costs and minimise losses. 'This initiative enhances real-time data collection, ensuring greater efficiency, accuracy in meter readings, and improved customer engagement through access to real-time consumption data. Additionally, it supports cost reduction efforts by streamlining operations and enhancing service delivery,' it added. A cornerstone of Oman's digital transformation strategy, the National Smart Meter Programme aims to replace analog meters with 1.2 million advanced smart meters before the end of 2025. Besides enhances billing accuracy, the devices empower consumers with real-time data to manage their energy use more efficiently. It also strengthens network performance by minimising power losses and enabling data-driven maintenance and planning. Beyond operational gains, the programme supports the development of smart cities, promotes energy efficiency and contributes to economic growth by optimizing energy use and supporting renewable energy integration.
Observer
25-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman's small-scale solar sector projected to reach 130 MW by year-end
MUSCAT: A significant uptick in small and medium-sized solar PV investments is set to boost the aggregate generation capacity of these installations to around 130 MW by the end of 2025, up from 92.5 MW at the end of last year. According to Nama Electricity Distribution Company (NEDC), the main national distribution utility of the Sultanate of Oman (with the exception of Dhofar Governorate), more than 400 new applications for solar PV connections were received in 2024 alone. They are set to join an expanding portfolio of customers totalling 856 as of the end of last year. 'With a goal of achieving more than 20% of the renewable energy consumption by 2040 as part of Oman Vision 2040 goals, efforts are underway to develop, plan and promote eco-friendly energy systems,' NEDC – part of Nama Group – stated in its newly released Annual Report for 2024. 'NEDC plays a crucial role in this transition, overseeing small and medium-sized grid-connected solar PV projects through a dedicated unit. These projects adhere to technical guidelines and regulations set by the Authority of Public Services Regulatory (APSR) across three stages: Initial Enquiry, Design Approval and Commissioning. The adoption of solar energy aims to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and preserve natural resources,' the state-owned utility added. Of the 856 customers with installed solar PV capacity to date, the lion's share (476 customers) are from the residential sector, with a combined capacity of 5.948 MW. Around 60.262 MW, representing two-thirds of total installed capacity, is contributed by commercial customers (totalling 178 in number). Government customers, numbering 119, account for 20.815 MW of capacity. Making up the rest are 83 agricultural customers with a capacity of 5.475 MW. Aside from the obvious environmental benefits, investments in small and mid-scale solar PV capacity are also contributing to national development by creating employment opportunities, boosting local content and enhancing relevant technical capabilities. 'NEDC has begun implementing solar energy projects across Oman, showcasing its commitment to the country's energy transition and renewable energy potential. The goal is to attain technical, social and economic benefits while serving as a public advocate for renewable energy technologies,' it noted. Significantly, rising demand for solar rooftop and ground-mounted systems has sparked a proliferation of contractors. Another model that's gaining traction, particularly among large commercial customers, is the Build, Own, Operate (BOO) paradigm. In this model, the contractor finances, installs and owns the system, selling electricity to the customer under a long-term agreement. Some niche players have also begun to offer a subscription-based Solar as a Service (SaaS) model. In this model, a customer pays a flat or performance-based monthly fee for access to solar power, while the contractor retains ownership and responsibility for maintenance.
Observer
20-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Nama Electricity invests RO 154 million in smart network
MUSCAT, MAY 20 Nama Electricity Distribution Company (NEDC) – part of Nama Group - invested RO 154.49 million in 2024 to upgrade and expand its power distribution network across Oman, according to its latest annual report. The investment covered key infrastructure priorities including RO 93.54 million for 11kV projects—both load-related and non-load under the Asset Rehabilitation Programme—and RO 49.76 million for 33kV network enhancements. An additional RO 9.08 million was allocated to advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), while RO 2.11 million supported shared asset upgrades. The capital spending aims to boost system reliability, improve energy efficiency, and support the continued rollout of smart technologies. By the end of 2024, over 1 million smart meters had been deployed, helping reduce system losses to 7.95%, down from 8.23% the previous year. 'These upgrades are critical to ensuring long-term network resilience and preparing Oman's grid for future digital and renewable integration,' the report stated. The company's infrastructure now includes 105 grid stations, 738 primary substations, and over 100,000 kilometres of circuit length. NEDC is the largest electricity distributor in the country, serving 1.35 million customers across all governorates except Dhofar. The capital expenditure programme aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and supports the government's broader digitalisation and sustainability objectives. NEDC plans to complete nationwide smart meter coverage by 2025 and continue investments in automation and grid modernisation.
Observer
20-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Crackdown on illegal power connections uncovers 3557 cases in Oman
MUSCAT, MAY 20 Nama Electricity Distribution Company (NEDC), the country's national distribution utility with coverage of all governorates with the exception of Dhofar, has announced that it has busted a total of 3,557 illegal electricity connections during 2024, helping contribute to the reduction of system losses. The crackdown encompassed, among other measures, the intensive inspection of connections and meters aimed at identifying and rectifying instances of tampering, unauthorized connections, and defective meters, the state-owned utility said. 'These efforts led to the detection of over 3557 cases of illegal connections and the recovery of more than 228 GWh and over RO 2 million of revenue,' the company stated in its newly published 2024 Annual Report. Additionally, meter reading operations were intensified during the year, according to NEDC. 'The company implemented enhanced oversight measures for manual meter reading, including the establishment of a dedicated validation team to verify reading and ensure data accuracy.' Furthermore, the transition to Automated Meter Reading (AMR) technology helped enhance the accuracy of meter readings and enable real-time monitoring of meter performance, thereby reducing errors and inefficiencies, it noted. 'These initiatives reflect the company's commitment to operational excellence, improved revenue assurance, and enhanced distribution efficiency. Moving forward, the company remains focused on further optimizing its loss-reduction strategies through continued technological advancements and process improvements.' As a result of these and other measures, system losses dipped 0.27 per cent to 7.95 per cent in 2024, down from 8.23 per cent a year earlier. 'This improvement is the result of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing distribution efficiency and minimizing losses,' the company added. NEDC, part of Nama Group, is licensed to carry out electricity distribution management and related activities across all governments excluding Dhofar, has a portfolio of 1.35 million customers. Overseeing Dhofar is Nama Dhofar Services, an integrated provider of electricity, water and wastewater services in the southern governorate of Oman.
Observer
18-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
NEDC emerges as Oman's largest power utility
Muscat: Nama Electricity Distribution Company (NEDC), the Sultanate of Oman's national distribution utility with a mandate covering all of Oman except Dhofar Governorate, now manages assets exceeding RO 2 billion — positioning it as the largest power sector utility in the country. Wholly state-owned NEDC – part of Nama Group – grew out of the merger of multiple distribution companies following a 2022 decision by the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) to restructure the sector. Licensed to carry out electricity distribution management and related activities across all governments excluding Dhofar, NEDC has seen its portfolio expand to around 1.35 million customers at the end of 2024. Overseeing the delivery of services across Dhofar Governorate is Nama Dhofar Services – also part of Nama Group – but structured as an integrated provider of electricity, water and wastewater services in this southern governorate of Oman. According to NEDC CEO Ala Hassan Moosa, 2024 was a 'transformative milestone' for the utility. 'NEDC has solidified its position as the nation's leading electricity distribution company, with assets surpassing RO 2.24 billion. In alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and the priorities of Oman Investment Authority (OIA), our strategy is founded on key obligations and principles shaped by regulatory priorities, shareholder expectations, and government aspirations for growth and collaboration, ' he stated in the company's newly published 2024 Annual Report. Significantly, NEDC's financial performance remained robust in 2024, the CEO noted. Of total revenues of RO 307.36 million, the gross profit amounted to RO 151.732 million, while EBITDA was recorded at RO 193.94 million. Meanwhile, infrastructure and technology investments continued apace in 2024 in line with NEDC's goal to ensure a reliable and future-ready network.
