The overall supply of power is expected to decrease in the Kurdistan Region for approximately 48 to 72 hours because of the work taking place at the Erbil and Chamchamal power plants.

Officials from the Electricity Ministry said planners wanted to make the change in July, but it was delayed until October in the face of high demand for electricity.

Earlier this week, director of the Kurdistan Region’s electricity control Omed Ahmed told NRT that the change would add 300 megawatts of capacity to what the ministry already produces.

“The KRG will be able to provide more power for the people. The station’s damage to the environment will also decrease,” Ahmed said.

The KRG Ministry of Electricity produces almost 3,000 megawatts total at nine power plants. The Kurdistan Region requires nearly 6,000 megawatts of power based on current demand estimates.

Five of the Region's power plants are already fueled by natural gas and there are two hydroelectric dams, leaving just Erbil and Chamchamal to switch over.

Locals face frequent power outages during the summer as temperatures reach into the mid-40s Celsius (113 Fahrenheit), leading to several protests this summer.

Reporter’s code: 50101