Iraq is in advanced talks with Excelerate Energy Inc. to facilitate its first-ever liquefied natural gas imports as the country, which struggles with power outages, seeks to cut dependence on Iran for supplies. Texas-based Excelerate is one of several companies to have submitted a bid to provide an LNG import ship and secure supplies of the fuel, said Ali Salman, acting director general for the state-run South Gas Co., which has been charged with overseeing the development of the project. An Excelerate representative declined to comment.