PM Barzani Visits Duhok to Review 24-Hour Electricity Project, Promises Regionwide Rollout by 2026
“This is not a test project. It is a national service that will continue to expand,” PM Barzani stated during a press briefing. “Our goal is for every governorate, district, town, and village in the Kurdistan Region to benefit from 24-hour electricity by the end of 2026.”
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday visited the city of Duhok to monitor the implementation of the “Runaki” national electricity project, which delivers 24-hour power to residents. The prime minister pledged to extend the initiative across the entire Kurdistan Region by the end of 2026.
During a visit to the Beroshke neighborhood in Duhok, Barzani toured homes, bakeries, shops, and other local businesses that are already receiving uninterrupted electricity through the project. He spoke directly with residents and listened to their feedback, many of whom expressed satisfaction and gratitude for the improved services.
“This is not a test project. It is a national service that will continue to expand,” Barzani stated during a press briefing. “Our goal is for every governorate, district, town, and village in the Kurdistan Region to benefit from 24-hour electricity by the end of 2026.”
The prime minister emphasized that while the project began in city centers, it will soon reach rural areas. He also called on citizens to avoid overconsumption and use electricity according to their actual needs, underscoring the importance of public cooperation to maintain and extend government services.
Barzani affirmed that electricity prices under the new system would remain affordable and, for most households, lower than the combined cost of private generators and inconsistent national supply.
As of now, over 600,000 citizens are benefiting from the initiative, with the government expecting to reach one million beneficiaries by the end of May. All city centers are projected to have round-the-clock electricity by the end of this year, with complete coverage of the Kurdistan Region by the end of 2026.
The KRG also announced upcoming facilitation measures to help citizens adapt to the new system and ensure long-term sustainability.
For years, the Kurdistan Region has suffered from power shortages caused by outdated infrastructure, political deadlock with the federal government in Baghdad, and reliance on expensive, polluting private generators. The Roonakî initiative is a cornerstone of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) strategy to centralize and modernize the energy sector, reduce dependency on stopgap solutions, and improve public services for all citizens.
I listened to families and businesses about their experience under the KRG’s 24/7 power program.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) May 11, 2025
Over 600,000 citizens across the Kurdistan Region already enjoy uninterrupted electricity.
This national initiative will see everyone move to 24/7 by the end of 2026. #Runaki pic.twitter.com/ioIbUcrxR7
