The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) announced on October 30 that nearly 4.5 million citizens, or around 70% of the Kurdistan Region’s population, now receive 24-hour electricity through the Runaki program. The achievement marks a major milestone in the government’s energy reform plan.
The latest expansion delivers continuous electricity to the city centers of Soran and Zakho, while Ranya, part of the Raparin Administration, is preparing to join the program soon.
Last month, Halabja became the first province in both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to secure full 24-hour power under Runaki, setting an example for other cities.
KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani launched the program in October 2024 to provide 24-hour electricity to every household and business in the Kurdistan Region by the end of 2026. The initiative aims to modernize the power sector, reduce reliance on generators, and create a cleaner environment for local communities.
Aziz Ahmad, Deputy Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Barzani, shared progress updates on X, noting that the program has already removed the equivalent of 650,000 cars from the road by shutting down over 3,700 diesel generators. He added that thousands of private generators used by businesses have also been switched off.
The KRG plans to eliminate more than 7,000 generators by 2026 as part of its environmental and economic development goals. Ahmad emphasized that the effort not only delivers cleaner air and quieter neighborhoods but also ensures businesses have reliable, uninterrupted power to support investment and job creation.
The Runaki program stands as one of the most ambitious energy projects in the region, signaling the KRG’s determination to achieve sustainable growth and energy independence.
