KRG expands prepaid electricity system in Duhok, offering 24-hour power to thousands

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Over 11,000 electricity customers in Duhok province, who utilize the prepaid electricity system, now have access to 24-hour national power, according to Hazim Mohammed, Deputy Director General of Electricity for Duhok. He made the announcement on Tuesday in an interview with Kurdistan24, highlighting the benefits of the ongoing smart meter project.

The Ministry of Electricity of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has been expanding the use of prepaid electricity systems throughout the Kurdistan Region. Mohammed emphasized that this system not only benefits citizens but also supports government efforts in improving efficiency.

The prepaid system has been operational for two years in areas such as Avro City, the French Village in Duhok, and the Amedi district. As part of future plans, all national electricity users in Duhok will be transitioned to the prepaid system. However, the transition will depend on further guidelines from the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Electricity.

Under the prepaid system, subscribers buy electricity units in advance, which allows them to better manage their consumption. Mohammed outlined three main advantages: cost savings for citizens, reduced strain on the power grid, and improved revenue collection for the government.

He further explained the pricing structure, stating that households and residential units pay 18 dinars per kilowatt of electricity, while villas and commercial properties are charged 150 dinars per kilowatt.

According to the Ministry of Electricity, 1.3 million smart meters have been installed across the Kurdistan Region, serving a total of 1.8 million customers. The government aims to fully implement the prepaid system to ensure more efficient power distribution and revenue management.