This week, Iraq faced a near-total power blackout, leaving streets in Baghdad and other cities shrouded in darkness. During this outage, temperatures soared to around 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), forcing many residents to rely on the one solution they’ve come to depend on: private generators.
One local poetically thanked the unsung heroes behind these generators on Facebook, praising them for their crucial role during power failures. These generators are a common sight in Baghdad, with over 4.5 million spread across the country. Many are large, industrial models parked in neighborhoods, providing much-needed electricity when the national grid fails.
Despite the widespread use of these generators, the national power grid remains outdated. It loses nearly half its energy during transmission, struggling to meet the demand driven by soaring summer temperatures and a growing population. Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity estimates that the country needs between 50,000 and 55,000 megawatts at peak times, but the grid can only supply about 27,000 megawatts.
The cause of this week’s outage isn’t entirely clear. Some officials speculate it may have resulted from increased demand due to millions of pilgrims visiting southern Iraq for a religious holiday. Even under better circumstances, power from state plants typically only lasts between eight and twelve hours daily, pushing many households to depend on private generators.
According to a report by the Baker Institute for Public Policy, this unreliable state supply has made private generators essential, though complicated. Residents subscribe to local generator owners for power, usually paying based on amperage rather than usage. Costs can quickly add up; average monthly bills range from $100 to $150, placing a heavy burden on families. Even local businesses have turned to these private solutions, with the generator market estimated to be worth over $4 billion annually.
People navigate daily life around these outages. For instance, engineering student Khadija al-Ameri turns off unnecessary devices when power drops, while teacher Fatimah Mahmoud mentions her electricity subscription covers only select appliances—no air conditioning despite the intense heat. In a similar vein, Murtadha Saad, a resident of Basra, often finds himself fleeing home to cool down elsewhere when the power goes out.
However, the reliance on private generators isn’t without issues. They contribute significantly to noise and air pollution. Their diesel engines release harmful emissions, meaning while they provide relief during sweltering heat, they also worsen environmental conditions and public health.
In an unfortunate twist of fate, the increasing reliance on these generators is part of a vicious circle. As climate conditions become harsher, the need for these generators grows—yet they exacerbate environmental degradation, leading to further reliance.
While private generators may temporarily alleviate the struggles posed by Iraq’s electrical grid, they highlight the deeper issues of infrastructure and energy policies that need urgent attention. As voices of the community continue to rise in the quest for sustainable solutions, the hope remains that one day reliable power will bring light back to every home in Iraq.
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