The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministry of Electricity on Friday announced that more than 2.7 million citizens, or around 40% of the Kurdistan Region population, now have 24-hour electricity under the Runaki – which means “light” in Kurdish – program.

The Ministry of Electricity said that, with today’s switch, most citizens across all three major cities of Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok now have access to 24-hour electricity.

The Ministry of Electricity is pleased to announce today that more than 2.7 million citizens, or around 40% of the Kurdistan Region population, now have 24-hour electricity under the Runaki programme.https://t.co/7QTynuJgbc

— Kurdistan Regional Government (@Kurdistan) July 31, 2025

Furthermore, over 2,517 diesel neighborhood generators have been phased out so far. The KRG plans to phase out over 7,000 generators by the end of 2026.

Read More: KRG Prime Minister Promises 24-Hour Electricity Across Kurdistan by 2026

For years, the Kurdistan Region has faced frequent electricity outages.

Last year, KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani announced that 24-hour electricity will be provided to all of Kurdistan by the end of 2026.

The KRG’s Ninth Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Barzani, has committed to enhancing services throughout the region and to limiting air pollution.

Read More: Expanding 24/7 Electricity in Kurdistan Vital Step: U.S.

On July 10, the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil also welcomed the expansion of the 24/7 electricity project, describing it as vital for 2 million citizens.

“We’re proud to see U.S. companies like GEVernova supporting Iraq and the Kurdistan Region’s energy security,” the U.S Consulate General in Erbil posted on X.