my old chair mat never caused static electricity. This mat is made of a different material that must conduct static. Sometimes I get a bit of a bite when I touch things after rolling across the mat. I do also have a new chair so it could be the combo of both causing the static. You can't beat the price of this though.
This is a good mat and the price was right. But even on low plush carpeting it is a bit too soft. after sitting a while in one place the wheels tend to sink into the grooves making it harder to push away from the desk. I probably should have gotten a harder surfaced mat to place under my desk chair.