Nearly 4.5 million citizens now enjoy 24-hour electricity through Runaki programme

Erbil, Kurdistan Region (GOV.KRD) – The Ministry of Electricity is pleased to announce today that nearly 4.5 million citizens, or nearly 70% of the Kurdistan Region population, now have access to 24-hour electricity under the Runaki programme.

This brings 24-hour electricity to the city centres of Soran and Zakho, and Raparin is being prepared to join Runaki soon.

Last month Halabja became the first governorate of Iraq and Kurdistan Region to fully join Runaki.

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
134,000	495,000	Duhok
38,000	135,000	Halabja
39,000	144,000	Soran
65,000	238,000	Zakho
1,131,000	4,292,000	Total

Nearly 3,700 neighbourhood diesel generators, or more than 50% of Kurdistan’s total, have now been phased out. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) plans to phase out over 7,000 generators by the end of 2026.

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	379	70,000
Halabja	65	15,000
Soran	127	23,000
Zakho	317	60,000
Total	3,689	690,000

The KRG previously announced that subscribers under the Runaki programme saw record-low bills in August. 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.