Paraguay’s national electricity grid has set a new all-time record for power demand, according to the country’s National Electricity Administration (ANDE). The historic peak of 5,752 megawatts (MW) was registered on 26 January 2026 at 14:25 within the National Interconnected System (SIN), marking a milestone in the nation’s energy consumption.
The substantial increase in such a short period underscores the rapidly growing energy requirements of Paraguay, reflecting ongoing economic activity and increased demand from both residential, and industrial consumers.
To meet this unprecedented demand, Paraguay mobilised its extensive hydroelectric power resources. The Itaipu hydroelectric plant, a vast binational facility managed with Brazil, supplied the largest portion of the energy, contributing 4,241 MW to the grid. In addition, the Yacyretá plant, a joint venture with Argentina, provided a further 1,394 MW.
A signal of national development
Félix Sosa, the president of ANDE, commented on Paraguay’s national grid record, stating it as a positive indicator of national progress.
“This sustained growth in electrical energy consumption constitutes a clear sign that the government of Paraguay is committed to the use of the electrical energy generated in the binational plants within Paraguayan territory for the development of the country.”
Sosa emphasised that this policy aims to leverage the power generated by facilities like Itaipu and Yacyretá to fuel industrialisation and improve living standards within Paraguay, rather than primarily exporting it. The rising consumption, therefore, is viewed as a measure of the success of this inward-looking development approach.
US$350 million investment in a robust electrical system
In his statement, Sosa reaffirmed ANDE’s commitment to this crucial task. He explained that the administration is continuously working to improve the national electrical system. The president announced that in 2026 the institution intends to reach 350 million dollars in investments to strengthen the Paraguayan electrical system, in order to continue improving its reliability while responding to the growing demand.
“In recent times, the average investment has been US$300 million annually. Our goal is to reach $350 million in investment by 2026, precisely to continue strengthening the Paraguayan electrical system and also to support the growth in electricity consumption that is being recorded in the country,” said Sosa.
“A 12,5% increase in 2025”
“Last year we had a 12.5% increase in electricity consumption; in 2024 we had an 18.5% increase. In two years we had a 31% increase in electricity consumption, that is unique globally,” Sosa highlighted.
He explained that in addition to the densely populated regions, which account for most of the electricity demand, areas like the Paraguayan Chaco are now experiencing a very significant percentage of growth, and where investment is being reinforced.
For that region specifically, ANDE is in the process of constructing the second 220 kV transmission line from the Villa Hayes substation, passing through Concepción to Pozo Colorado, where a substation will be built to supply power to the central Chaco region. This project will require an investment of US$100 million.
“A faster restoration speed”
Regarding the Eastern region, he indicated that the highest percentage of electricity consumption is recorded in the metropolitan system, which includes Asunción, the Central department, part of Cordillera and part of Paraguarí, as well as the Lower Chaco.
He highlighted that thanks to the investments already made, ANDE has improved its service quality indicators by 45%, registering fewer service interruptions and a faster restoration speed.
” So far, the performance is much better than last summer, and we are very confident, considering all the work done, that this summer we will be in better condition with better results than last summer again,” he added.
