Saudi Electricity Co. (SEC), the largest listed utility in the Gulf region, said it plans to invest US$1.01 billion in 2011 and add 309,000 new customers as electricity demand in the country continues to rise.

ABB won a contract worth around US$140 million from the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), to build four new transmission substations and upgrade four existing substations.

Middle east countries are embarking on a massive power and electricity investment programme over the next five years to significantly expand the regions power generation and secure stable power supplies for the future.

ABB was awarded a contract valued at US$39 million from the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) to improve the efficiency of power transmission and distribution in the country?s Eastern Province, according to a company statement.