A major power reform has transformed daily life across Erbil, Sulaimani, and Duhok. Thanks to the Runaki Project, over 2.7 million people now receive uninterrupted electricity every day.
The Kurdistan Regional Government launched this effort to improve energy access and reduce reliance on diesel. The Ministry of Electricity announced that 40% of the Region’s population now enjoys full-time power. Most homes in the largest cities no longer need local generators.
The project started in October 2024 under Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. It’s a key part of the Region’s wider energy reform plan, approved by the Council of Ministers in May. The goal is to bring 24-hour electricity to all homes and businesses across Kurdistan by late 2026.
One major result of the project is cleaner energy. So far, over 2,500 diesel-powered neighborhood generators have been removed. By 2026, the government plans to take more than 7,000 generators out of service completely.
A new electricity tariff has also been introduced. It helps low-income families pay less while encouraging everyone to save energy. The Ministry said 80% of users now pay less than what they spent before on national power and diesel combined.
All major cities — including Halabja — are expected to join the 24-hour power system by the end of 2025.
The KRG views the Runaki Project as a key pillar of its plan to modernize services and support clean, reliable, and affordable energy for all residents.