Iraq’s power output hits new low

U.S. Corps toils to buttress system to meet summer’s exploding demand

BAGHDAD, IRAQ – Electricity output has dipped to its lowest point in three years in Iraq, where the desert sun is rising toward another broiling summer and U.S. engineers are winding down their rebuilding of the crippled power grid.

The Iraqis, in fact, may have to turn to neighboring Iran to help bail them out of their energy crisis

The overstressed network is producing less than half the electricity needed to meet Iraq’s exploding demand.

American experts are working hard to shore up the system’s weaknesses as 100-degree-plus temperatures approach beginning as early as May, driving up usage of air conditioning, electric fans and refrigeration.

AP