There have been no major power failures or electricity-related accidents during Haj this year, Abdulmain Al-Shaikh, head of the Saudi Electricity Company’s Western Province branch and general supervisor during the Haj season, told Arab News.

“Makkah recorded the highest usage of electricity on the last day Haj, while Mina recorded the highest load on the day of sacrifice,” he said.

“In addition, electricity consumption doubled on the Day of Arafat compared with last year.”

The SEC has assigned engineers to monitor electricity outlets and ensure a safe Haj, he said.

The SEC has spent SR1.9 million on strengthening existing networks, establishing four power transfer stations and five circuit voltages, as well as providing connections to new subscribers and new projects. “Our emergency center received 206 notifications for power outages during Haj, marking a 15-percent decrease in the number of complaints,” he said.

“Teams got to camps and buildings, which accounted for half of all complaints, on motorbikes to quickly rectify power failures.”

The company also ran daily awareness workshops for workers in the field to ensure that their Haj safety guidelines are being implemented. The SEC regularly conducts field trips to Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah to monitor the situation on the ground and ensure areas are safe, he said.