Coalition Provisional Authority

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dallas Lawrence

Tel: 1-914-822-7539

Iraqi Minister of Electricity Ayham al Samaraie and Brigadier General (P) Steven R. Hawkins, Commander, Task Force Restore Iraqi Electricity (TF RIE) joined distinguished guests for two ribbon cutting ceremonies in Baghdad today. The informal ceremonies recognized TF RIE’s support of the Coalition’s efforts to provide stable and dependable electricity throughout Iraq.

The first ceremony highlighted the rehabilitated Ma’ari Substation in Baghdad that features a new and rehabilitated Control Center, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system as well as remote transfer units. The $14 million projects will provide for monitoring and control over distribution of electrical power in Baghdad. Unlike in the past, this new distribution system will allow hospitals and other critical need areas to now receive a continuous supply of electricity. It also will ensure reliable and consistent service to all neighbourhoods, factories, schools, and office buildings throughout Baghdad.

The second ribbon-cutting followed Ma’ari at the Baghdad South substation and heralded the activation of the 400 KV Baghdad (South) to Diyaniwa electrical power line, a critical main electric line reinforcing and stabilizing the Baghdad super ring electric architecture. The 5 month, $10 million project will add substantial stability to the power grid and will allow bulk generation to flow to and from Southern Iraq and Baghdad.

"These projects signal a major turning point in our efforts to bring stable, secure power to the Iraqi people", said Randy Richardson, the Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Electricity. "Ma’ari and Baghdad South are critical components of our overall goal of rebuilding and stabilizing Iraq’s power systems after decades of neglect and misuse. In the weeks and months ahead, the Coalition will continue to bring new projects online to grow capacity and to improve the quality of life of every Iraqi," concluded Richardson.

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