Runaki Project Delivers 24-Hour Electricity to 2.7 Million People in Kurdistan Region

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) —The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) marked a major milestone in its energy reform initiative as the Ministry of Electricity announced on Thursday that more than 2.7 million citizens, approximately 40% of the Region’s population now enjoy uninterrupted 24-hour electricity through the Runaki Project.

The achievement significantly improves the quality of life for residents in the major urban centers of Erbil, Sulaimani, and Duhok, where most households now benefit from round-the-clock electricity.

Described by the government as a "clean, reliable, and affordable" solution, the Runaki Project has also led to the decommissioning of over 2,517 diesel-powered neighborhood generators a step toward cleaner energy and reduced emissions. The KRG aims to phase out more than 7,000 generators by the end of 2026.

Launched in October 2024 by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, the Runaki Project is part of a broader energy transformation agenda, unanimously approved by the KRG Council of Ministers in May. The initiative aims to deliver 24-hour power to all homes and businesses across the Kurdistan Region by the end of 2026.

One key feature of the Project is a new progressive tariff designed to ease the financial burden on low-income households while encouraging energy conservation. According to the Ministry, 80% of Runaki subscribers now pay less than what they previously spent on combined national power and diesel generator costs, leading to record-low electricity bills for most families.

The Ministry confirmed that all major cities, including Halabja, are on track to receive full 24-hour electricity access by the end of 2025.

The KRG has framed the Runaki Project as a cornerstone of its public service reforms, aiming to ensure a more sustainable and equitable energy future for all citizens.

Kurdistan24