Kurdistan Region electricity grid provides only 11 hours of daily power per household

ERBIL — The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Electricity reports that citizens have received about 11 hours of national electricity daily this month, with slightly higher availability in the Garmiyan region.

Omed Ahmed, spokesperson for the Ministry of Electricity, told 964media, “In the past 20 days of August, citizens in the cities of Erbil, Sulaimaniyah, and Duhok have received, on average, around 10 to 11 hours of electricity per day.” He added, “In the Garmiyan region, due to specific conditions of the area, residents have been supplied with about 13 hours daily.”

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq, home to over 6.5 million people, has historically struggled with consistent government-provided electricity, especially during summer when temperatures can exceed 45°C. Despite promises to enhance power production annually, the output has largely remained unchanged.

“In August, when electricity consumption peaks, the region requires around 6,000 megawatts, but we only produce 3,700 megawatts,” Ahmed stated, noting the outdated and inefficient electricity distribution network as a contributing factor to the shortfall.

Kamil Qazzaz, deputy minister of electricity, informed 964media on Aug. 13 that achieving 24-hour power could take up to a decade. “Providing 24-hour electricity will require significant effort and will take several years. It’s not something that will happen anytime soon,” Qazzaz stated.

The region operates 15 power plants, including three hydroelectric stations, seven gas-powered thermal plants, and several diesel power plants distributed throughout the area. Despite government oversight, residents heavily rely on private generators, paying a set monthly fee per ampere rather than per kilowatt hour used.

On Aug. 12, the Ministry announced an ambitious decade-long master plan to enhance the electricity sector, developed by local engineering staff, aiming at improving service delivery across the region. “If the budget is secured and no obstacles hinder our plans and projects, we can achieve 24-hour power within 10 years,” Ahmed told 964Media, clarifying that the new plan does not explicitly promise 24-hour power immediately.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani reiterated his commitment to achieving round-the-clock electricity during a June 30 meeting with residents of Sulaimaniyah, although he could not specify a timeline.

In 2022, the KRG introduced a prepaid electricity system that has reportedly increased the availability of national electricity and reduced consumer wastage. “Another advantage of the system is that electricity readings and data are collected electronically and directly from homes, eliminating the need for a staff member to visit and determine the amount of electricity used,” the Ministry stated.

Additionally, a new system providing 24-hour electricity to select residential areas and markets in Erbil, Sulaimaniyah, and Duhok is being tested, with the Shadi neighborhood in Erbil recently added. “It’s only a pilot project, but it has been successful and will eventually cover all areas,” Ahmed commented. Deputy Qazzaz added that the project is under supervision to assess management, production increase, and consumption control.

Under the new prepaid system, consumers will pay 156 dinars ($0.1) per kilowatt, a significant increase from the previous rate of 18 dinars per kilowatt.