Questions are being raised in Iraq about the long-standing role of General Electric in the country’s electricity sector, as power shortages continue to affect citizens despite more than two decades of cooperation between the company and the Iraqi government.
Basim al-Gharibawi, a former member of the Parliamentary Oil and Natural Resources Committee, said Iraq continues to face a serious electricity crisis and argued that widespread corruption within the sector has contributed to the problem.
Al-Gharibawi questioned why General Electric has remained a dominant player in Iraq’s electricity projects for so many years despite the continued energy shortages. He said the government should explain the company’s role, what it has achieved on the ground, and why major electricity contracts have continued to be awarded to the company instead of opening more opportunities to other international firms.
Ahmed Shaheed, a member of the Parliamentary Integrity Committee, also criticized General Electric’s performance, claiming that large amounts of public money have been spent over the past twenty years without delivering a lasting solution to Iraq’s electricity problems.
He called for greater diversification of international partnerships and questioned why more contracts have not been awarded to Chinese companies, which he said have significant experience in major power projects.
Shaheed also argued that Iraq’s electricity sector requires a comprehensive review of previous contracts and agreements, along with accountability for any misuse of public funds or delays in strategic projects.
Meanwhile, political analyst Haider al-Moussawi said Parliament has the authority to review and reject agreements that it believes do not serve Iraq’s interests.
Al-Moussawi noted that General Electric has been involved in Iraq’s electricity sector since 2005, with contracts repeatedly renewed for the construction and operation of power facilities. However, he pointed out that the country continues to suffer from recurring electricity shortages, particularly during the summer months.
The criticism comes as Iraq continues to struggle with growing electricity demand, fuel supply challenges, aging infrastructure, and delays in completing major energy projects. Government officials have acknowledged that solving the electricity crisis will require significant investment and may take years to fully address.
