Nearly 4 million citizens now enjoy 24-hour electricity through Runaki programme

Erbil, Kurdistan Region (GOV.KRD) – The Ministry o Electricity is pleased to announce today that nearly 4 million citizens, or more than 50% of the Kurdistan Region population, now have access to 24-hour electricity under the Runaki programme.

This step makes Halabja the first governorate to fully join Runaki in Iraq and Kurdistan Region.

Today’s switch marks a significant milestone as citizens across the major cities of Erbil and its outskirts, Slemani, Duhok and Halabja now have access to 24-hour electricity ahead of schedule.

Table 1: Breakdown of the latest number of citizens and subscribers under Runaki

Number of subscribers	Number of citizens	City
504,000	1,935,000	Erbil
351,000	1,345,000	Slemani
94,000	351,000	Duhok
38,000	139,000	Halabja
987,000	3,770,000	Total

Over 3,200 neighbourhood diesel generators have now been phased out across Kurdistan. By the end of 2026, the KRG plans to have phased out over 7,000 generators.

Table 2: The latest number of neighbourhood diesel generators phased out under Runaki

City	Number of neighbourhood diesel generators phased out	Estimated annual CO2 emissions reductions (tonnes)
Erbil	2,197	410,000
Slemani	604	112,000
Duhok	356	63,000
Halabja	65	15,000
Total	3,222	600,000

The KRG previously announced that subscribers in the Runaki programme saw record-low bills in June. This is due to the KRG’s new progressive tariff designed to protect low-income households and encourage responsible consumption. Under the new Runaki tariffs, 80% of citizens pay less than the previous cost of neighbourhood diesel generators and the national grid combined.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani announced the Runaki programme in October 2024 to deliver 24-hour electricity to every home and business by the end of 2026. The KRG Council of Ministers unanimously approved the national programme in May.