Iran’s Power Industry Is Self-Sufficient, While Private Sector Claims Against the Government Reach 500 Trillion Tomans

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Iran Electricity Industry Syndicate has highlighted the vital role of the power industry in the country’s economy and infrastructure, describing domestic self-sufficiency in power generation, transmission, and distribution as a major achievement of recent years. He also reported that outstanding payments owed by the government to private-sector companies in the power industry have reached approximately 500 trillion tomans.

The Power Industry: A Pillar of National Infrastructure

Mohammad Hadi Faghihzadeh emphasized the role of the power industry in supporting other economic and service sectors, noting that the continued operation of infrastructure such as industrial facilities, hospitals, and service centers depends on a reliable electricity network. He added that energy security has become one of the prerequisites for national security.

According to Faghihzadeh, the stability of the electricity network is the result of the collective efforts of a broad range of industry stakeholders, including the Ministry of Energy, power-sector companies, manufacturers, contractors, consultants, engineers, technicians, and network personnel.

He also highlighted the domestic capabilities of Iran’s power industry, stating that the sector has significantly expanded its capacity to develop and manufacture the equipment and infrastructure required for power generation, transmission, and distribution by relying on local expertise and resources.

The Private Sector’s Role in Maintaining Grid Stability

Referring to the power industry’s performance during crises and wartime conditions, the chairman of the Iran Electricity Industry Syndicate stated that private-sector companies had mobilized their capabilities and resources to supply equipment and help restore the electricity network following damage to power infrastructure.

He stressed that maintaining grid stability depends not only on power generation but also on the continuity of the entire supply chain, including manufacturers, contractors, suppliers, and consultants.

According to his remarks, the electricity industry’s supply chain supports more than 200,000 direct jobs. Maintaining the operations of these businesses is therefore essential to preserving the country’s technical expertise and industrial capacity.

Private Sector Claims Against the Government Reach 500 Trillion Tomans

One of the most significant challenges highlighted by the Iran Electricity Industry Syndicate is the delay in settling payments owed to private-sector companies.

Faghihzadeh stated that outstanding government payments to private-sector companies in the power industry are currently estimated at approximately 350 trillion tomans. However, taking the increase in foreign exchange rates into account, the value of these claims has risen to around 500 trillion tomans.

He explained that payment delays under inflationary conditions erode the real value of companies’