Baghdad bracing for summer electricity crisis.

Last year, “massive blackouts” hit Baghdad, as temperatures spiked into triple digits. State Department official Charles Ries said that electricity demand, which has been growing 7 to 9 percent each year, “could be greater” this year. Additionally, blackouts may be more severe because “drought has cut in half power generated by hydroelectric plants.” “There is no chance we will be able to meet demand in the summer,” Ries said.