For more than a generation Saddam Hussein used power, like everything else in Iraq, as a weapon to punish those who opposed his regime. Due to an inequitable distribution of power by Saddam, most provinces suffered greatly. Compounding the problem, decades of operation without regular maintenance have severely hampered dependable electricity production. After the liberation of Iraq, the CPA immediately started repairing or replacing damaged equipment to provide a short term solution that increased power and improved quality of life. After achieving pre-conflict levels the CPA implemented a spring maintenance program to improve the entire electricity infrastructure of Iraq.
Pre-conflict
Due to the inequitable distribution of power by Saddam, most provinces suffered greatly. All provinces, with the exception of Fallujah, sections of Baghdad, and Tikrit, were getting 0 ? 10 hours of power. Fallujah, sections of Baghdad, and Tikrit were getting 10 ? 24 hours of power. There was an obvious favoritism in the distribution of power.
Exact numbers for individual cities pre-war are not available. However, the policy for the last several years prior to 2003 was that Baghdad would receive 24 hours of power, and all remaining power will be divided among Governorates. According to the CPA-Electricity Program Manager, Baghdad generally received 24 hrs/day, and most all other places averaged 4 hrs/day. Further records are unavailable.
The electrical system is probably the single greatest example of Saddam?s neglect of the infrastructure and his people?s needs. There is equipment that is so old and dilapidated that spare parts no longer exist anywhere in the world. It demonstrates the ingenuity of the Iraqi engineers to produce electricity. Ingenuity, combined with the resources and encouragement of the coalition engineers is driving the reconstruction of the system forward.
Post Conflict
Power production reached 4,518 MW on October 6, exceeding the pre-conflict capacity and the system generated 91,474 MW hours on Wednesday, February 18.
Implemented a spring maintenance program which is necessary for the upkeep of existing and new plants. Each plant is evaluated for necessary parts that need replacement or repair due to age, regular usage, vandalism, theft, or accidents. The spring maintenance program will end by mid-May in order to have all scheduled projects operational by the 1 June deadline.
As of February 18, 41 generation units were being serviced. Twenty-three units were out for unscheduled service. Nine thermal and nine gas turbine units were out for scheduled service.
CPA is adding 930 MW of capacity by summer 2004 through maintenance and rehabilitation projects at nine gas turbine units and three diesel units.
CPA is adding 1,636 MW of capacity by summer 2004 through new generation projects, including new gas turbine units being installed at 10 sites.
CPA is restoring 1,194 MW of capacity to the system through repairs to 550 kilometers of 400-kilo volt transmission line.
Future plans
CPA?s goal for Iraq is to reach 6000 MW?s by June 30.
Reaching 6000 MW?s will be accomplished by relying on the Spring Maintenance Program and rehabilitation for existing power plants and building and bringing new power plants online.