Energy economists are interested in how changes in electricity prices prompt a response in end-user electricity demand. If historical prices are low or seldom change, it becomes difficult to estimate price elasticities statistically , especially in the short-run. Thus, a framework that merges the physical equations that govern how electricity is consumed, and a utility-maximizing household the responds to varying expenditures on electricity, is used.

Principal Fellow- Oil & Gas
Walid works on modeling energy systems. He is developing or has developed the following components of the KAPSARC Energy Model…
Walid works on modeling energy systems. He is developing or has developed the following components of the KAPSARC Energy Model (KEM): electric power generation, oil refining, petrochemicals and fertilizers, cement production, and iron and steel. He is also working on a bottom-up residential electricity use framework that merges microeconomics with the physical laws governing electricity use.
Expertise
- Energy Systems Modeling
- Optimization
- Electricity Prices
- Energy Efficiency and the Interdisciplinary Connection Between Energy Economics and Engineering
Publications See all Walid Matar’s publications

Costs of Switching Fuels and Manufacturing Processes for Construction Materials Companies in Saudi Arabia
Energy economists are interested in how changes in electricity prices prompt a response in end-user…
6th May 2025
Does integrating oil refining with petrochemicals provide long-term benefits for Saudi Arabia?
Energy economists are interested in how changes in electricity prices prompt a response in end-user…
25th March 2025