The Kurdistan Regional Government has launched a major electricity reform initiative. Officials now state that the project has entered its final implementation phase. Consequently, authorities aim to extend the Runaki Program to every subscriber soon. They plan to complete this milestone before the end of this year. Therefore, the government expects to achieve universal 24-hour electricity by late 2026.
Ministry of Electricity spokesperson Omed Ahmed provided a major progress update on Monday. He highlighted the rapid expansion of the power network. Furthermore, the government aims to modernize public services through digital infrastructure. It is installing smarter electricity management systems across the region. A reliable distribution system brings significant benefits to local citizens.
Uninterrupted power drastically reduces operating costs for local businesses. Moreover, manufacturers no longer need to rely on expensive private generators. Reliable electricity also improves overall factory productivity. For the government, successful power delivery demonstrates strong institutional capacity.
Ahmed noted that electricity subscriber numbers have risen significantly in recent years. Previously, the grid served approximately 1.4 million subscribers. Now, the network powers nearly two million customers. This growth reflects expanding demand and continuous infrastructure investment.
The Runaki Program relies heavily on advanced smart meters. These devices improve billing accuracy and significantly reduce electricity losses. Ahmed reported that workers have installed over 1.5 million smart meters. Furthermore, the program now includes 1.46 million customers, which represents roughly 85% of all regional subscribers.
The initiative is shifting toward completing the remaining network sections. This final phase presents greater technical and logistical complexity. Ahmed acknowledged that the ministry faced some earlier setbacks. However, workers have successfully resumed operations after a temporary suspension.
Technical and financial challenges still exist. Nevertheless, the ministry is actively pursuing full implementation. It aims to connect all subscribers before the end of the year.
Stable electricity supply positively impacts every economic sector. For instance, agriculture, tourism, and retail all depend on steady power. Reliable energy lowers costs and creates operational certainty. As a result, businesses improve their competitiveness.
Modern networks drive digital transformation. They enable advanced metering and smart grid management. Prime Minister Masrour Barzani launched this initiative in late 2024, and the Council of Ministers subsequently approved it. Therefore, the administration prioritizes electricity infrastructure. The project continues to advance despite complex engineering challenges. Furthermore, reliable energy builds strong investor confidence. Ultimately, this initiative is expected to transform citizens’ lives.