“This measure will support the national economy by reducing the quantity of power waste and relieve the consumer from paying high electricity bills as his consumption will be reduced,” he said in a statement.

Al-Youssef pointed out that according to official estimates about 70 percent of the electricity wasted in the Kingdom was caused by defective air-conditioning equipment.

“By insisting on the energy-saving consumer equipment, the Kingdom’s standards authority aims to rationalize power consumption in the Kingdom and enlightening the consumer about high-quality electric equipment that does not waste energy,” he said.

Al-Youssef said air-conditioning units consume about 60 percent of the electricity used in most households.

Domestic consumption represents about 40 percent of total electrical consumption in the Kingdom, he added.

Al-Youssef said the energy-efficient equipment may cost a little more but they will be economical in the long run.

The new appliances will have cards attached to them that rate their energy efficiency.

“Electrical equipment that do not have these cards tagged to them will not be allowed to enter the country,” he said.