The expansion and modernization of the electrical system of the National Electricity Administration (ANDE) in the department of Alto Paraná faces a persistent obstacle: electricity theft, especially through illegal crypto mining. Between 2024 and 2026, 29 cases of intervention in cryptocurrency farms and 334 operations against other clandestine connections were recorded, resulting in estimated losses of more than 11 billion guaraníes.
Lawyer Freddy González, legal advisor to ANDE, explained that after the first actions against large irregular consumption on medium voltage, the crypto-mining structures migrated to low-voltage connections, trying to escape controls. “After that intervention, reports began to emerge of low voltage and recurring outages in areas without significant industrial loads,” González said. He noted that about 90% of the cases analyzed involve fraud such as taps before the meter, detected by inspections on low-voltage networks.
In contrast, ANDE maintains continuous investments in the region. According to engineer Luis Ramírez, head of the Eastern Regional Distribution Operations Department, the Alto Paraná Station in Ciudad del Este was expanded to 160 MVA, benefiting more than 300,000 users. The Presidente Franco Station was upgraded to 152 MVA, serving areas from Km 4 to Km 10, Monday area, covering more than 150,000 people. The K15 Station received a new 41.6 MVA transformer, raising its capacity to 102 MVA and benefiting more than 200,000 users in areas from Km 8 to Km 18.
In addition, more than 150 kilometers of medium-voltage networks were modernized, with replacement of bare cables by protected compact lines, in cities such as Ciudad del Este, Presidente Franco, Minga Guazú, Santa Rita and Naranjal. Since 2025, six new distribution feeders have also been built, totaling about 50 kilometers of new lines, to reinforce supply in Hernandarias, Itakyry and Santa Rita. The region now has 426 remote-controlled equipment, of which 346 are in Alto Paraná, allowing remote operation and faster restoration of service.
In April 2026, ANDE contracted 16 new outsourced teams to expand operational capacity in the department. Open data from the Eastern Regional Office show that in 2024, losses from crypto mining totaled 2.03 billion guaraníes and other frauds 1.29 billion, totaling 3.33 billion. In 2025, values rose to 3.77 billion in crypto mining and 1.30 billion in other frauds, totaling 5.07 billion. In 2026, losses of 1.27 billion from crypto mining and 1.35 billion from other illegal connections were recorded, totaling 2.63 billion guaraníes.