Basra governor rejects claims of electricity share being diverted to Dhi Qar

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The governor of Basra, Asaad al-Idaini, has rejected circulating claims that part of the province's electricity allocation would be transferred to districts in Dhi Qar, saying the topic did not come up during talks with the Dhi Qar governor. Speaking to reporters, al-Idaini said Basra produces more than 6,000 megawatts of power, while peak local demand stands at roughly 4,700 megawatts. He attributed shortages in Dhi Qar to transmission and distribution system problems, adding that similar issues occur in other provinces. The governor stressed that no transfer of Basra's electricity share to other provinces is planned and that supply to each governorate is set under a separate program. He also presented journalists with a detailed chart of Basra's electricity distribution schedule. The remarks came after Basra was included in scheduled power outages for what officials described as the first time in recent years.