The increase in electricity prices is driving up the cost of outdoor advertising, Al Mal reports. Some companies are reporting a doubling of costs in some areas, spread between increases in licensing and electricity costs. Advertisers say the cost increase will drive down their margins, saying increasing their own fees is unlikely. One thing they are utilising is a shift towards using LEDs to backlight billboards. LED lights use only 12% of the energy used by conventional lights, one executive explained, adding that some companies are looking to expand the use of solar panels as well.