Tikrit introduces app to monitor private generator compliance, prevent abuses

SALAH AL-DIN — In Tikrit, the administrative center of Salah Al-Din governorate, authorities are preparing to launch a new app aimed at curbing abuses by private generator owners. The app, My Generator, will monitor residential generators in real time, sending alerts to district mayors and the governor when voltage levels are manipulated. This practice, used by some generator owners to conserve fuel, often damages electronics and disrupts essential appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners.

Private generators are critical in Iraq, where the national grid frequently fails to meet electricity demands. Residents rely on these generators to supplement power, particularly during peak summer months. Generator owners charge monthly fees based on amp usage, creating an informal power system that, while essential, is plagued by inconsistent voltage, price manipulation, and environmental concerns.

The app will address these issues by tracking voltage levels and processing payments electronically at government-approved rates. It also enables residents to file complaints and provides monthly reports detailing generator performance and operational hours. The system will debut in Tikrit before expanding to Baiji and other districts in Salah Al-Din.

“The app monitors electricity flow and voltage from residential generators,” said Omar Amel, one of the developers. “If voltage drops or spikes, the mayor and deputy governor for energy receive notifications to ensure generators meet global standards.”

Amel explained that the app transmits encrypted data to government servers every second, ensuring secure and real-time oversight. “The device has internal software to read data like voltage and frequency, which it encrypts and sends to the servers,” he said.

One of the app’s key features is enforcing government pricing. “The app precisely sets prices, with payments processed via e-payment cards,” Amel added. “This setup streamlines transactions between residents and generator owners, allowing for effective monitoring.”

Salah Zubar, Chief Advisor to the Salah Al-Din Governor, emphasized the app’s role in improving transparency. He said the My Generator app provides accurate oversight of power supply hours, voltage levels, and ampere pricing throughout the month by tracking financial transactions.

“If a generator owner charges 12,000 dinars (approximately $7.95) instead of the set 10,000 dinars (approximately $6.62), the financial discrepancy will be flagged, and legal action will follow,” Zubar added, noting that generator compliance will be overseen by administrative heads and the deputy governor for energy and investment.

Residents can also use the app to monitor voltage quality on their phones and report irregularities. Following Tikrit’s rollout, the system will gradually be implemented in other Salah Al-Din districts, starting with Baiji.

Mahmoud Al-Hadithi, a Tikrit resident, welcomed the initiative. “We’ve heard about the My Generator app, and it’s a promising initiative. But for it to succeed, we need strong backing from local authorities and the council,” he said.

“This system will protect everyone’s rights. It eases burdens on residents and introduces electronic payments, helping the city adopt modern systems like those in advanced countries,” he added.