Iraq’s government has been struggling to rebuild its electricity grid after power shortages last summer spurred demonstrations that turned deadly when security forces fired into crowds.

But blackouts are still common despite billions spent on improving power stations and lines.

Iraq’s Electricity Ministry spokesman, Mussab Al-Mudaris, said the five-year plan with Iran will let Iraq buy 25 million cubic meters of natural gas each day to feed two power plants in northeastern suburbs of Baghdad — one built by Iran and the other by South Korea’s Hyundai conglomerate.

Al-Mudaris said the gas will be fed through a pipeline expected to completed by the end of 2012.

The deal still needs the backing of Iraq’s Cabinet and parliament, but Al-Mudaris expected approval within a month.

For Iran, the pact would mark another important market as it struggles under international economic sanctions from the standoff over its nuclear program.

Iran, which has the world’s second-largest gas reserves, also has looked to boost exports to central and south Asia.

Iraq’s currently produces about 7,000 megawatts of electricity daily — about half of the actual demand.

More than half of Iraq’s imported electricity — about 1,000 megawatts — comes from Iran.

Al-Mudaris said it could rise to about 75 percent next month.