Iraq's PM advisor Muhammad Sahib Al-Daraji. (Photo: Screenshot from Dijlah TV interview)
Media Monitor
Iraq’s electricity crisis stems from ‘mismanagement’, says advisor to PM
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s ongoing electricity crisis stems from mismanagement and a focus on high-commission power generation contracts rather than strengthening distribution and transmission, according to Prime Minister Advisor Muhammad Sahib Al-Daraji.
In an interview with Dijlah TV, Al-Daraji said, “It is unreasonable for a private generator owner to successfully provide electricity to a small area while the state fails to do so.” He also noted that Iranian officials informed Baghdad they needed gas previously supplied to Iraq because they “cannot benefit from its funds” after payments stopped due to U.S. sanctions on Iran.
Al-Daraji proposed solar energy as a more cost-effective solution “cheaper than private generators and even national electricity,” he said.
Power shortages strike Iraq every year, especially during the summer when temperatures can surpass 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the government has repeatedly pledged to address the problem, the electricity supply consistently falls short of demand.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Al-Sudani chaired a meeting to review oil-sector projects and evaluate plans to secure electricity for the summer. The meeting came after Washington declined to renew a sanctions waiver allowing Iraq to buy electricity from Iran, a U.S. Embassy spokesperson in Baghdad said. Iran supplies about one-third of Iraq’s gas and electricity. The statement made no reference to Iranian gas imports, which remain critical for domestic power generation.
Excerpts from Muhammad Sahib Al-Daraji’s interview with Dijlah TV:
The gas funds have not been transferred to the Iranian side, and the Iranians previously informed us that they need these quantities of gas because they cannot benefit from its funds.
The Iraqi government has begun effective steps to compensate for this potential gas shortage. We have started contracting to establish a floating platform for importing liquefied gas in Khor Al-Zubair, along with building a fixed platform in the port of Faw, which can be converted into an export platform in the future.
The funds spent on electricity could have covered Iraq and the broader region with energy. There is clear mismanagement of this file, and electricity consumption is very high in an illogical manner. It is unreasonable for a private generator owner to successfully provide electricity to a small area while the state fails to do so. The reason is the lack of bill collection, despite privatization experiments succeeding in several areas even without an increase in supply.
The root of the electricity problem lies in collection, distribution, and transmission before generation. However, everyone has focused on contracting for increased generation because such contracts are large and include high commissions. If there were an executive body capable of implementing the leadership’s vision, the electricity issue would have been resolved.
I do not rule out the conspiracy theory in this matter. Electricity means industry, a strong economy, and halting imports, but Iraq is intended to remain weak in the region. There are some traitors and corrupt individuals who align with foreign agendas.
Electricity production losses reach up to 40% due to outdated transmission and distribution networks and the absence of a prior maintenance plan. However, the Ministry of Electricity has begun to address this issue this year.
The real solution to supplying homes with electricity is relying on solar energy systems. I have implemented them in my home, and they have been successful. Their cost is lower than that of private generator fees and cheaper than the national electricity bill as well.
Next summer will be like last summer, and electricity supply may improve slightly. I believe Iranian gas will not be cut off, but every summer before elections will be scorching hot.
