Muscat: The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has unveiled an ambitious plan to implement three strategic projects aimed at transforming Oman's energy sector. These projects include continuous renewable energy production, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and demand response management, with an enhancement in service assurance standards set for 2026.
According to Oman News Agency, the APSR outlined its achievements and future goals during its annual media briefing, highlighting the adoption of an integrated regulatory system over the past five years. This system has led to the issuance of 17 regulations, granting of 14 licenses, provision of 14 exemptions, and development of 15 frameworks for subscriber rights. The Authority has also approved six security standards and eight grid reliability standards, aiming to elevate service quality across public sectors.
The Authority reported that investments in regulated sectors reached approximately RO 3.4 billion during the 10th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and are projected to rise to RO 8.8 billion in the 11th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). The transition to smart meters has achieved a 99 percent rate in the water sector and 80 percent in electricity, while actual readings stand at 97 percent for electricity and 97.71 percent for water.
Dr. Mansoor Talib Al Hinai, Chairman of APSR, announced plans to enhance service assurance standards, including increased compensation for service failures. He emphasized the Authority's commitment to an integrated regulatory system that clarifies roles between policymakers, regulators, and operators, thereby boosting performance efficiency and governance in critical sectors.
Dr. Al Hinai also discussed the Authority's strategic alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and its five-year plans, focusing on system security, future foresight, beneficiary satisfaction, and spending efficiency. He noted a growth in the water and wastewater sector, with a 13 percent increase in water consumption and a 12 percent rise in subscribers from 2021 to 2025. The electricity sector saw a 14 percent increase in subscribers and a 27 percent rise in consumption, reflecting economic and urban growth.
Furthermore, renewable energy production climbed from 1.95 percent in 2021 to 9.46 percent by 2025, covering consumption for approximately 155,000 homes. Dr. Al Hinai confirmed APSR's successful digital transformation, with a 100 percent digitalization rate in services, improving data accuracy and subscriber experience.
Abdulaziz Khalfan Al Siyabi, Director of Strategic Studies at APSR, highlighted the Authority's efforts to protect subscriber interests through regulatory systems and comprehensive audits, achieving a 96 percent compliance rate. He noted significant progress in digital platforms, with the "Hasil" and "Tajawub" platforms handling over 7,000 complaints in 2025.
Compensation of RO 153,000 was provided to over 9,000 subscribers, with a satisfaction rate of 75 percent. The Omanization rate in sector companies reached 98.55 percent, creating approximately 2,050 new jobs in 2025. Spending on SMEs increased by 80 percent, reaching RO 119 million, while In-Country Value contributions rose by 35 percent to RO 50 million.
Eng. Alaa Hassan Musa Al Lawati, CEO of Nama Electricity Distribution, discussed advances in electricity generation and renewable energy projects, with a 9.46 percent production rate in 2025. The electricity transmission sector saw a 40 percent increase in line lengths and a 13 percent rise in stations. The supply sector achieved a complete digital transformation in billing, reaching a 100 percent electronic payment rate by 2025.
In the gas transmission sector, Eng. Al Lawati reported a 3 percent growth in network capacity and a 22 percent rise in transported gas volume. Expansion projects included the construction of a new line between Fahud and Sohar and the development of security standards for the gas network.
Eng. Qais Saud Al Zakwani, CEO of Nama Water Services, reported a 32 percent growth in water network lengths and a 9 percent increase in stations. Sewage treatment reached a 98 percent rate, with a 99.81 percent compliance rate for drinking water standards. The sector is implementing 97 projects valued at approximately RO 966 million to enhance service efficiency.
Hassan Mohammed Al Lawati, Director General of Economic Regulation and Markets at APSR, reviewed investment volumes, projecting an increase to RO 8.8 billion for 2026-2030, with RO 7 billion allocated to the electricity sector. Future projects include renewable energy production, battery energy storage, and demand response management, aimed at enhancing energy sector sustainability and flexibility.