Paraguay’s national electricity consumption saw a sustained and significant increase during the first three months of 2026. The National Electricity Administration (ANDE) reported a cumulative rise of 17.5% when compared to the same period in 2025. This substantial growth in demand underscores a period of heightened economic and residential activity across the country. Consequently, the national grid is experiencing increased pressure to maintain a stable supply.
The rising electricity consumption trend was particularly pronounced in March, which recorded a remarkable 27% year-on-year increase in electricity demand. In total, the country consumed 3,271,101 megawatt-hours (MWh) during that month alone. This surge highlights the escalating energy needs of the nation, prompting a strategic response from the state-owned utility provider to ensure service continuity.
A detailed look at energy generation
The vast majority of this demand was met by Paraguay’s powerful hydroelectric resources. The Itaipú Binational Entity, a joint venture with Brazil, was the primary supplier, providing 2,671,573 MWh. This figure represents nearly 82% of the total energy supplied in March. Furthermore, the Yacyretá Binational Entity, operated with Argentina, contributed a significant 521,091 MWh, accounting for approximately 16 per cent of the monthly total.
Paraguay’s nationally-owned assets also played a crucial role in meeting the country’s needs. The Acaray Central hydroelectric plant generated 78,428 MWh, covering about 2.4% of consumption. In addition, the report highlighted a contribution from renewable sources. The Puerto Esperanza photovoltaic plant, located in the Chaco region, supplied just over 9 MWh to the system, representing an important step in diversifying the nation’s energy matrix, even with a small initial input.
Faced with this scenario of high demand, the National Electricity Administration has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a reliable and efficient service for all customers. The organisation stated that it is employing a strategic technical plan to manage the increased load on the national grid.
Itaipu: US$107 million transferred in Q1
From January to March of 2026, Itaipu Binacional injected US$107 million into the Paraguayan State, in terms of royalties, energy transfer, and payments to the National Electricity Administration (ANDE). The disbursements, contemplated in Annex C of the 1973 Itaipu Treaty, are fundamental for governorships, municipalities and the state company to be able to carry out their corresponding works.
According to the report from the Financial Directorate of the Entity, in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, the Paraguayan Treasury received US$65 million in royalties, while some US$37 million were remitted for energy transfer. In turn, ANDE received US$5 million as compensation for administration and supervision costs.
Regarding transfers made in March alone, royalties totaled US$22 million and compensation for energy transfer reached US$10 million. The electric company, for its part, received US$1.7 million in compensation.
Read more: Paraguay-Brazil Itaipu Treaty Talks Intensify: What Is At Stake?
