Saudi Electricity, GE affirm strong ties

Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and GE have released a statement affirming robust relations between the two, following media reports that SEC was lining up competitors to bid against GE for power plant work in the Kingdom.

“Given its fleet size and geographical spread across the Kingdom, SEC has always embarked on a very balanced policy of procurement to ensure well diversified sources of suppliers,” Khalid Al-Tuaimi, Executive VP for Generation of Saudi Electricity Company, said in the statement.

“SEC always qualifies multiple vendors to bid on services for its various fleets as part of its standard operating procedure and in accordance with local public procurement laws.

Through this open and transparent process, we have repeatedly found GE to be an excellent strategic partner for meeting our servicing needs and committed to local investments and partnerships,” he added.

Last week, Reuters reported that SEC had qualified two US-based companies – Power Systems Mfg LLC and Combustion Parts Inc. – to provide service or parts for some of SEC's more than 50 GE-made F-class turbines.

The Saudi utility company was also said to be in talks with two other companies over investments to set up facilities to service its plants over several years.

The move reportedly aimed to obtain the best possible prices for the Kingdom on large contracts with big companies, when the contracts come up for renewal.