The experience of developing intelligent energy management system: Case study

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), an oil-rich country, where gas prices is cheaper than water and electricity is not considered a major expanse. The authors carried out a project to save electrical energy in higher educational buildings by developing and implementing an intelligent energy management system. The project faced many problems and difficulties. The main problem was the cultural understanding/attitude toward energy. In this paper, the authors report their experience and observations about this project. The authors present the results of a survey carried out to measure the degree to which people apply electrical saving tips distributed by the electrical company. Guided by the knowledge gained from developing the project, the authors suggest some ideas that might influence Saudis attitude toward energy consumption.