The Kurdistan Regional Government has launched a one-time discount on old electricity debts, warning that the offer will not be extended.
Aziz Ahmad, deputy director of the Kurdistan Region Prime Minister’s Office, said that the program began on Monday. More than 5,000 customers had already benefited before noon.
Households and agricultural subscribers can receive a 50% reduction on debts accumulated before the Runaki project. Commercial and industrial users, along with government offices, can receive a 25% discount.
Ahmad said the government has granted four electricity discounts so far. The previous three supported Runaki subscribers, while the latest measure targets unpaid bills. He said the government wants to ease pressure on citizens and close the debt file permanently.
Customers collectively owe more than two trillion Iraqi dinars. Around half of those with old debts will pay less than 150,000 dinars under the scheme. The government says it will not earn profits from the programme.
Payments will go to the Ministry of Finance and support improvements in electricity infrastructure.
Ahmad said most Runaki customers pay their bills regularly. The average electricity bill across the Kurdistan Region was 38,000 dinars in June. However, some customers consume up to five times the regional average of 730 kilowatts and therefore receive higher bills.
Runaki now covers 85% of the Kurdistan Region. The government plans to include the entire Region by the end of 2026. Surveys show that 80% of subscribers are satisfied and now pay less each month.
During the past 18 months, the government returned 60 billion dinars to Runaki customers through discounts. Ahmad added that project revenue covers less than half of gas production, power stations, distribution networks and operating costs.
He said new gas production should begin next year to diversify supply and reduce dependence on Khor Mor and Khurmala.
