Muscat – The percentage of electricity production from renewable sources has increased two per cent, and the net electricity production went up 7.6 per cent to 39,537 Gwh in 2022, according to Dr Mansour bin Talib al Hinai, Chairman of Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR).

The authority held an annual media meeting on Monday revealing details of its achievements in 2022. Hinai informed that the number of accounts under the national support system increased 35 per cent to 108,000, while over 450,000 smart electricity meters were installed till the end of 2022, an increase of 84 per cent over 2021.

He added, “More than 400,000 smart water meters were installed in 2022, an increase of 24 per cent. There was a rise in both electricity subscriber accounts and water connections – 3.5 per cent and five per cent, respectively – in 2022.”

The authority is considering reviewing the fee for new water connections – currently RO700 – and dispensing with estimate readings of electricity bills soon.

In the field of renewable energy, Hinai highlighted APSR’s efforts to ensure the efficiency of energy use in government buildings and replace inefficient lighting with high-efficiency ones. “Power generated from alternative sources is expected to replace 30 per cent of traditional power by 2030.”

Commenting on the investigation into the nationwide power outage in September 2022, he informed that it was not related to cyberattack, nor shortage of supply or generation, network planning error or any technical fault related to the safety of the electricity system.

In its plan for 2023, APSR is focused on sustainability, efficiency and credibility, Hinai added. “This will be realised by implementing projects designed to upgrade the quality of services rendered to subscribers, amending regulations, attracting investments, developing human resources, digital transformation and achieving carbon neutrality and meeting the goals of Oman Vision 2040.”

Omanisation in direct jobs in the water sector reached 98 per cent and 49 per cent in indirect jobs (contractors), while in the electricity sector it is 95 per cent in direct jobs, and 53 per cent in indirect jobs.