Growing Concerns Over the Ronaki Electricity Project in Kurdistan
On March 9, 2025, former Kurdish MP Ahmed Al-Hajj Rashid expressed significant public discontent regarding the Ronaki project, designed to enhance electricity generation in the Kurdistan region. Rashid characterized the initiative as an effort to exploit citizens financially.
In his remarks, Rashid noted the mounting anger among residents who now must contend with exorbitant electricity prices following the implementation of a new national electricity system. He highlighted that citizens are facing monthly electricity bills ranging between 150,000 to 300,000 Iraqi dinars, leading to substantial economic strain.
Rashid criticized the project as a means of extracting money from citizens, imposing inflated prices and unreasonable taxes at a time when many are already struggling financially. He pointed out that numerous citizens have not received their February salaries and are still awaiting compensation for December of the previous year.
The former MP further elaborated on the financial implications of the Ronaki system, stating that under the revised billing structure, individuals previously paying 13,000 dinars would see their payments surge to 50,000 dinars, while those paying 39,000 dinars would face a new charge of 150,000 dinars. He described this price adjustment as an act of public looting.
Moreover, Rashid mentioned the lack of communication from the regional government to the owners of private generators, whose livelihoods might be jeopardized by the implementation of this new system.
In contrast, the Minister of Electricity for the Kurdistan Regional Government, Kamal Muhammad, provided an update on March 3, 2025, claiming significant advancements in the electricity infrastructure. Muhammad highlighted the addition of 1,800 megawatts to the power network, along with the activation of 30 new electricity distribution stations.
He referred to the Ronaki project as one of the government’s landmark achievements, increasing 24-hour electricity access to 16 neighborhoods in Erbil and retiring 350 generators known for causing environmental harm. Additionally, Muhammad reported that approximately 95% of those benefiting from the continuous electricity system expressed satisfaction with the service, suggesting a positive reception to the government’s efforts in enhancing electrical infrastructure.
Summary of Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | March 9, 2025 |
| Concerned Individual | Ahmed Al-Hajj Rashid |
| Monthly Bills | 150,000 – 300,000 Iraqi dinars |
| Price Increases | 13,000 to 50,000 / 39,000 to 150,000 dinars |
| Minister of Electricity | Kamal Muhammad |
| Additional Capacity | 1,800 megawatts |
| Number of New Stations | 30 |
| Satisfaction Rate | 95% of beneficiaries satisfied |
As the situation unfolds, the balance between improving infrastructure and addressing public grievances will be critical for the government’s future strategies in the electricity sector.
