The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) stated that, through the Runaki Project, nearly 4 million residents and over 115,000 businesses across the Kurdistan Region now have access to 24-hour electricity, marking significant progress in the region’s energy access.

KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said in a statement that this major infrastructure change covers more than half of the region’s population and was “achieved in less than a year since the announcement of the program in October 2024.”

The government noted that it delivered this promise earlier than planned, as 24-hour power has reached the city centers of Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, and Halabja.

“I’m pleased to announce that Halabja is the first province in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq to switch entirely to 24-hour electricity,” Barzani remarked.

Stressing the broader impact of the Runaki Project, the statement said it is “not just about reliable electricity; it’s about community well-being,” adding, “The data shows households and businesses have changed their behavior too: they consume less, and nearly 80% of the public pay less under the Runaki program than they did to diesel generators.”

The government further acknowledged that more work is needed to provide 24-hour electricity to all homes and businesses and committed to completing this goal by the end of 2026.

Anwar Hama Saeed, Director General of Electricity in Sulaymaniyah, told Channel8 that the city center, along with Qaradagh, Arbat, and surrounding villages, has joined the 24-hour electricity project.

“Next week, the towns of Chawarta, Sitak, and Qalachualan in Sharbazher will also enter the 24-hour Runaki Project,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Electricity said today more than 3.5 million citizens now benefit from 24-hour electricity. They are residents of Erbil, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah, Halabja, and their surrounding areas.