The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has boosted power capacity in Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites for this year's Haj.

Ali Al-Barrack, chief executive officer of the SEC, said extra technical and maintenance staff have also been deployed to ensure uninterrupted power. "The objective is to provide a safe and reliable service to pilgrims and visitors to the the Prophet's Mosque," he said.

"Power generation capacity stands at 14,973MW. We also upgraded the power generation capability of Al-Shuaibiyah mixed station with an extra 790MW. We did this by adding 10 steam-powered generation units. We also implemented comprehensive preventive and periodic maintenance programs. We provided a sufficient number of generation units to meet the expected surge in demand during this period," he said.

"In addition, we completed the maintenance of all the equipment and lines at the stations in the holy places and the central area. We also upgraded the Arafat and Makkah electric grid by connecting 110-volt mobile stations. All relay centers and supply networks have been maintained. We also added low potential cables over 258 km and 673 km of medium potential lines. We added 378 distribution stations and replaced another 385 stations," he said.

Al-Barrack said the SEC supplies the train at the holy places with 110-volt circuits from a number of relay stations. The operations at the holy sites are now well under way. "We will make every effort to meet the surge in demand for power supply, maintenance and emergencies in the general grid," he said.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities shut down four buildings at the Al-Sail Al-Kabeer meeqaat (point for donning Haj and Umrah attire) meant for housing pilgrims, workers involved in providing Haj services and trucks drivers.

Tariq Khan, the SCTA's executive director in Taif, said they cut off electricity to the four buildings near the meeqaat at Al-Sail Al-Kabeer, shut them down and barred them from operating. “It is not suitable for housing and lacks security,” he said.

Khan said another eight buildings will be closed in the coming days based on recommendations made by a police special committee, the SCTA and the Taif Municipality.