Four infractions specified
Baghdad council imposes fines up to 20 million IQD on generator contractors flouting regulations
BAGHDAD — The Baghdad Provincial Council has announced fines of up to 20 million IQD ($13,280) for generator contractors found violating operational regulations, the state-owned Al-Sabah newspaper reported on Monday.
The decision targets four specific infractions: overcharging customers per amp beyond committee-set rates, delays in activating generators during power outages, using adulterated fuel, and overloading the national electrical grid.
Safa Al-Mashhadani, head of the council’s Energy Committee, said the crackdown aims to enforce compliance with operational standards. Al-Mashhadani said fines apply exclusively to these violations, while other infractions will incur lower penalties.
Over the past two months, the committee has fined approximately 180 contractors for various breaches, with penalties ranging from one to 10 million IQD ($664 to $6,640).
Iraq has long struggled with chronic electricity shortages, heavily relying on Iranian gas imports to power its plants. Recent disruptions in Iranian gas deliveries for maintenance have exacerbated the crisis. The Ministry of Electricity reported that the national grid lost 8,700 megawatts during a suspension of Iranian gas supplies, leading to severe power deficits.
To fill the gap, private diesel-powered generators have become a vital alternative for many Iraqis.
Electricity shortages and service disruptions have sparked frequent protests across Iraq, particularly during periods of extreme summer heat and freezing winter temperatures.