Iraq’s electricity problems can be solved by reform in power sector, says expert

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The chronic issues engulfing Iraq’s electricity sector can be solved by reforming the sector and its economics completely, an energy consultant told Rudaw last week.

Iraq suffers from chronic electricity shortages, especially felt when summer temperatures reach over 50 degrees Celsius. The high temperatures also lead to very high consumption of power.

The problems in Iraq’s electricity sector are “chronic,” and the issue dates back to the 90s, Harry Istepanian, independent power and water consultant told Rudaw’s Mohammed Sheikh Fatih on May 26, noting that the issue became more severe after 2003. 

“The main reason of the problem which is not solved until now is actually not technical," Istepanian added while noting that the power sector is suffocating from "many" issues. 

Addressing the solutions to the issue, the energy consultant said "the reform of the sector" is a very important thing, and that its economics come second. 

“If these two issues are not resolved, I do not think there will be any solution for the power crisis in Iraq.” 

Electricity provision is a problem across Iraq, which continues to suffer from electricity shortages including poor government delivery of services, rampant corruption, and terror attacks on the power grid. 

Last year Iraq’s electricity minister resigned following a Twitter campaign against the power shortages across Iraq started by prominent Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. 

The electricity minister has been working on increasing electricity supplies for a while. 

It has finished its technical supplies to import electricity from Turkey, and reached an agreement with Jordan to import 150 megawatts of power in late 2022. 

Despite the efforts, the ministry on Wednesday said it will soon face further power shortages as Iran cut a substantial amount of natural gas supply over unpaid debt.