More power exports to Iraq planned (04/10/05)

Iran will increase its power exports to Iraq from the current 100 megawatts to 150 megawatts, said a power industry official, adding that Nakhichevan was the top regional power importer from Iran last year.

Iran to provide Iraq with 150 megawatts

Massoud Hojjat, deputy head of Tavanir Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Company, told ISNA that Iran exported 1,725 megawatts of electricity to regional countries last year, adding that 619 megawatts were exported to Nakhichevan.

The official said Iran usually imports power in summer time, adding that electricity imports reached 700 megawatts this summer, when the country exported only 250 megawatts.

Experts say inadequate financial resources have created serious challenges for the power industry, blaming low utility charges for the dilemma. The Energy Ministry announced earlier that it will seek to reduce power consumption under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's administration.

The ministry has said it will also try to rectify utility charges in cooperation with the Parliament as part of efforts to discourage excessive consumption. Six power plants, which are under construction, will become operational by 2007.

Source: Iraqdirectory