At a Glance

• Corruption cases to be reopened.
• Solar loans proposed for citizens.
• Annual electricity plans required.
• Joint oversight committee to monitor reforms.

The Iraqi Council of Representatives has issued a series of recommendations aimed at reforming the country's electricity sector, calling for the reopening of corruption investigations, expanding access to solar energy through citizen loans, and strengthening oversight of the Ministry of Electricity.

---

Key Statements and Focus Area

• Parliament called for reopening electricity sector corruption files dating back to 2005.
• All uncovered violations are to be referred to the Commission of Integrity and the judiciary.
• The Central Bank was urged to facilitate low-interest or interest-free loans for household solar energy systems.
• The Ministry of Electricity was instructed to simplify procedures for connecting solar systems to the national grid.
• A joint parliamentary-government committee will oversee implementation of the recommendations.

---

Parliament Calls for Reopening Electricity Corruption Cases

The Council of Representatives recommended reopening all corruption files related to the Ministry of Electricity dating back to 2005. It said all violations uncovered during the review should be referred to the Commission of Integrity and the judiciary.

Lawmakers also called for a comprehensive review of contracts and projects found to have delivered no economic benefit or resulted in the waste of public funds, with legal action to be taken against those responsible.

Low-Interest Solar Loans Proposed for Citizens

Parliament urged the Central Bank of Iraq to coordinate with government and private banks to provide accessible loans for citizens to purchase and install solar energy systems.

The proposed loans would feature very low or zero interest rates and extended repayment periods. The recommendation aims to encourage the use of renewable energy in homes, agriculture, and industry while reducing pressure on the national electricity grid.

The Council directed the Ministry of Electricity to submit a detailed implementation plan before each summer season, including timelines and progress indicators, to enable parliamentary oversight.

It also instructed the Ministry of Oil to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies to all power stations to prevent disruptions in electricity generation.

Simplifying Solar Grid Connections

Parliament called on the Ministry of Electricity to remove technical and administrative barriers for citizens and businesses seeking to connect solar energy systems to the national grid.

The recommendation aims to accelerate solar adoption, reduce fuel consumption, and support environmental protection efforts.

To oversee the reform process, the Council recommended establishing a joint committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Electricity and the parliamentary committees on Finance, Planning, Investment, Oil, Services, and Integrity.

The committee will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the recommendations and assessing progress on electricity sector reforms.

For You: Through Our Lens

Iraq continues to face recurring electricity shortages, particularly during the summer months when demand reaches its peak. In recent years, the government has increasingly promoted renewable energy projects and sought to diversify electricity sources, while Parliament has intensified scrutiny of the sector over longstanding allegations of corruption, delayed projects, and inefficiencies in power generation and distribution.