In a landmark move to modernize the Kurdistan Region’s energy infrastructure, the Duhok General Electricity Directorate has initiated a three-day experimental phase of uninterrupted 24-hour electricity in central Duhok. This trial, which began at 1:00 PM on Sunday, March 23, and will continue through Wednesday, March 26, marks a significant step in the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) broader "Runaki Project," aimed at providing round-the-clock power to the entire region by the end of 2026.

The 72-hour test is designed to assess the resilience and efficiency of Duhok’s power distribution network under continuous load conditions. The Directorate emphasized that the trial will help identify and address potential weaknesses in the system, with the Ministry of Electricity overseeing the process. This initiative is part of the KRG’s ongoing efforts to enhance essential services and reduce reliance on private diesel generators, which have long been a source of environmental pollution and economic strain for residents.

The "Runaki Project," unveiled by KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on October 17, 2024, represents a comprehensive overhaul of the region’s electricity infrastructure. The project’s pilot phase was launched in Erbil’s Shadi neighborhood, where residents and businesses reported high satisfaction with the provision of 24-hour electricity. Following this success, the initiative expanded to other neighborhoods in Erbil, including Bahari Nwe, Naznaz, Bakhtiari, and Sarbasti, benefiting thousands of subscribers.

In Duhok, the project has already been implemented in areas such as the Amedi district and the Duhok market, which serve as model districts for the initiative. The current trial in central Duhok signifies the project’s progression into its next phase, with plans to extend continuous electricity to surrounding towns, rural areas, and the independent Zakho administration.

The KRG’s ninth cabinet has prioritized the "Runaki Project" as a cornerstone of its efforts to improve public services. Beyond providing uninterrupted power, the project aims to reduce environmental pollution and economic burdens associated with private generators. In Erbil alone, the implementation of the project has led to the shutdown of approximately 400 private generators, an environmental impact equivalent to removing over 60,000 vehicles from the road.

The project’s pricing structure is designed to align with global standards while considering the income levels of citizens. It includes mechanisms to support low-income families and middle-class consumers who use moderate amounts of electricity, ensuring affordability and equitable access. Additionally, the initiative is expected to reduce excessive energy consumption, extend the lifespan of electrical appliances, and enhance household safety by minimizing the risk of electrical fires.

Duhok’s electricity trial represents a critical milestone in the KRG’s commitment to upgrading public services and modernizing energy delivery systems across the region. If successful, the model established in Duhok will serve as a blueprint for similar implementations in other cities and districts, propelling the Kurdistan Region toward sustainable energy independence.

The Directorate has urged residents to provide feedback during the testing phase and has assured the public that engineers and technical teams will be on standby around the clock to monitor performance and address any issues that arise.

As the Kurdistan Region continues its journey toward infrastructure modernization, the "Runaki Project" stands as a symbol of progress, innovation, and a long-term commitment to improving the daily lives of its citizens through access to reliable, 24-hour electricity.