Erbil environmental directorate files complaints against four generator owners

ERBIL — The Erbil Environment Directorate has launched legal proceedings against four private generator owners for breaching environmental standards. Authorities documented violations in four neighborhoods, citing issues such as excessive noise, harmful smoke emissions, and inadequate pollution controls. Under penalties set by the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Environmental Protection and Improvement Board, fines for these offenses range from 300,000 to 1.5 million IQD (approximately $203 to $1,016).

This move follows earlier enforcement actions. On Feb. 10, fines were imposed on five additional generator operators for failing to meet environmental guidelines, and in December, lawsuits were filed against another five owners for similar violations.

The reliance on private generators remains a pressing concern in the Kurdistan Region. Despite operating 15 state-run power plants—spanning hydroelectric, gas, and diesel facilities—residents continue to depend on over 7,000 private generators. This dependence not only strains public infrastructure but also exacerbates urban noise and air quality problems.

In a bid to address chronic power shortages, Prime Minister Barzani unveiled the “Runaki” initiative in October. The project aims to deliver uninterrupted electricity to the entire region by 2026, reducing the community’s reliance on private generators and mitigating related environmental hazards.

The Kurdistan Region continues to face challenges in providing a stable government electricity supply. Despite operating 15 power plants—including hydroelectric, gas, and diesel facilities—residents still depend on private generators, paying monthly fees per ampere. More than 7,000 private generators are in use across the region, adding to noise and environmental concerns in urban areas. On Oct. 17, 2024, Prime Minister Barzani launched the “Runaki” project, which began in Erbil’s Shadi and Nazanaz neighborhoods, aiming to deliver uninterrupted electricity to the entire Kurdistan Region by 2026.